IND

Trending Now

International News

Threat from avian flu increases: second incidence of human infection in the US, first in Texas

Texas reports the first human case of highly dangerous avian flu; the CDC guarantees dairy products are safe.

The United States has confirmed a second human case of Avian Flu, better known as bird flu, which is rapidly spreading. According to Texas officials, one of the state’s citizens got the flu after having close contact with cows that were contaminated. The announcement was made one week after the USDA identified cases of avian flu in mammals in Washington, Kentucky, and Montana.

The Texas Department of State Health Services declared on April 1st that a patient who had contact with dairy cows thought to be infected with the virus was diagnosed with avian influenza. Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as “pink eye,” was the patient’s main complaint. The possibility for the general public, which is still low, is unaffected by the current case, which entailed direct contact with probable infected livestock, according to TDSHS.

Second Avian Flu case in US

The Texas official stated that this was the first reported case of the highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza in humans in the state and the second in the U.S. after an individual in Colorado was reported to be infected with H5N1 after direct contact with infected poultry.

Concern is raised by animal cases of avian flu.
On March 29, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a joint statement. They claimed that there is no need for concern about dairy products’ safety in the US. The organizations clarified that pasteurization—which takes place before to these items being sold—is adequate to guarantee their safety. In the past, American officials had alerted the public about the possibility of a surge in the highly virulent avian influenza (H5N1) cases that are currently spreading among marine animals.

Can humans get the bird flu?
Although there have been two confirmed instances of bird flu in people thus far, there is still little risk that the illness will spread widely. The Asian branch of the bird flu virus (H7N9) and the highly deadly avian influenza A(H5N1) virus are responsible for the majority of human infections caused by avian influenza viruses worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms of Avian Flu in humans

Symptoms of Avian Flu in humans include mild fever, conjunctivitis, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headaches, and in some cases, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Also Read : Delhi Cm Arvind Kejriwal Takem to Tihar Jail After Court Order

Biden told me to cut visa wait time for Indians: US envoy Garcetti

In a first for any American president, US President Joe Biden asked the visa wait time be reduced for Indians, said Eric Garcetti, the US ambassador to India. Garcetti said work was on to reduce the visa wait time, which is currently at 250 days.

In Short

  • Garcetti mentioned a significant 75% decrease in visa waiting times
  • Record surge of Indian students to US marks a 35% increase in 2022-23
  • US embassy to open two new consulates in India for faster visa processing

Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, revealed that President Joe Biden asked him to reduce the wait period for American visas in India. The envoy stated that this is the first time a US president has given such a command to an ambassador in any country. A US visa can take up to 250 days to be processed in India.

“The president instructed me to cut visa wait times in India. In an interview with news agency ANI, Eric Garcetti stated, “I believe it is the first time a president has ever said that to an ambassador in any country.”

Garcetti stated that Congress-enacted legislation contributes to the visa backlog problem.

He emphasized that the US Congress needed to deal with issues on legal immigrants, green cards, and citizenships.

Garcetti said there was a 75% decrease in visa waiting times.

“Last year, the Embassy in India processed 1.4 million visas, an explosion of incredible numbers in every visa category. There is no wait time at all except in one area of travel where there is still some wait time and that is people traveling for the first time to the United States for tourism,” according to US Bureau of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Rena Bitter.

GARCETTI’S RESPONSE TO LONG VISA WAIT TIME

The reduction in waiting time for US visas is linked to a 60% rise in granting of visas in India over the last year.

“This is a legislative issue Congress needs to tackle, whether it’s the number of legal immigrants, green cards, or citizenships. Like any country, there are limits. This can be frustrating for Indians, as there are many who wish to come to America. Last year, India had the highest number of student visas, double that of the second-largest country,” Garcetti told ANI.

Indian students are increasingly choosing to study at US universities, creating a boom for American Universities. The number of Indian students in the US has skyrocketed, with a staggering 35% increase in just one year.

Currently, there are over 250,000 students from India at US universities.

Despite the 75% decrease in visa waiting time, there still remains a waiting period of 250 days. When Garcetti was asked about this ongoing 250-day waiting period, Garcetti stressed, “Where the 250 is still a long way. It is, and too high for me. The president said, Eric, I want you to bring down visa wait times in India. I think it’s probably the first time a President ever said that to an ambassador in any country.”

“I don’t think presidents even focus on visa wait times, but we all have so many Indian friends who are saying, Why is this taking so long? That it even went up to the president. So the reality of that 250 is an average. And I think the typical person is actually under 200 days already. It’s difficult with the existing resources,” he remarked.

Additionally, the US Embassy in India reported a record influx of Indian students to the US for higher education, with a 35% increase reaching an all-time high of 268,923 students in the 2022-23 academic year, as per the Open Doors Report.

To boost diplomatic connections, Garcetti said two consulates — in Bangalore and Ahmedabad — had been opened in India.

Despite hurdles, they’re working to increase staff levels after agreements are made during state visits, to make sure they represent themselves well and engage diplomatically in the region.

This article was published on India Today.

Also, read: Nifty 50, Sensex hit fresh all-time high; why is Indian stock market gaining today?- Explained

Thailand moves to legalise same-sex marriage!

With the lower house passing a bill recognizing same-sex marriage legally, Thailand has made a historic leap toward marital equality.

For it to become law, the Senate must still approve it and the royal seal of approval.

However, it is generally anticipated that by the end of 2024, Thailand will be the only nation in South East Asia to accept same-sex unions.

It will solidify Thailand’s standing as a relative sanctuary for LGBTQ+ couples in an area where such perspectives are uncommon.

“Equality is only getting started. Presenting a draft of the law to parliament, MP Danuphorn Punnakanta, the head of the lower house’s committee on marital equality, said, “It’s not a magic bullet for every issue, but it’s the first step towards equality.” “This law wants to return these rights to this group of people, not grant them the rights.”

400 of the 415 legislators in attendance voted in favor of the new law, which will redefine marriage as a partnership between two people rather than a union of a man and a woman. Additionally, it will grant LGBTQ+ couples the same rights to inherit property, save money on marriage taxes, and consent to medical treatment for impaired partners.

Married couples of the same sex are legally permitted to adopt children. The committee recommended using the phrase “parents” instead of “fathers and mothers,” however the lower house did not accept this recommendation.

Thailand is regarded as one of Asia’s most LGBTQ+ friendly countries since it already has legislation against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

But to get same-sex couples this close to marriage equality, years of advocacy are needed.

In the past, despite widespread public support, initiatives to legalize same-sex marriage have failed. 96.6% of respondents to a government survey conducted late last year supported the law.

Also Read | Baltimore Bridge Collapse: After a cargo ship crash, six people are believed to be dead and the search is paused |

“Yes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed and watching the parliamentary debate,” Phisit Sirihirunchai, a 35-year-old police officer who identifies as gay, adds. “I’m relieved and thrilled that it will actually happen. I am getting closer and closer to realizing my aspirations.”

Phisit stated that he had been planning to get married on the day the law takes effect with his boyfriend, with whom he has been dating for almost five years.

“In my opinion, equality has been achieved now. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a gay Member of Parliament from the opposition Move Forward party who has been advocating for marriage equality for the past ten years, said, “It’s a historic day for the Thai parliament that stands to fight for the rights of LGBTQI+.”

Prior to the election of last year, a number of political parties made campaign promises to acknowledge same-sex unions. Since taking office in September of last year, Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin has also been outspoken in her support.

Four proposed legislation to legalize same-sex marriage were approved by the lower house in December; three of the bills originated from opposition parties and one was submitted by Mr. Thavisin’s administration. After that, they were merged into a single bill, which was approved on Wednesday by the lower house.

Nevertheless, despite the transgender groups’ prominent presence in Thailand, the country’s parliament has thus far rejected efforts to let individuals to change their gender identity.

In South East Asia, where some nations have made same-sex relationships illegal, Thailand continues to be unique. In Asia, it is likewise exceptional.

The first legislature in Asia to legalize same-sex unions was Taiwan’s in 2019. Five months after the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of same-sex unions, Nepal registered its first one in November of last year.

Just one month had passed since the top court of India had rejected it, handing the matter over to the government, which said that it would form a panel to determine whether or not same-sex couples should have additional legal rights.

In Japan, district courts have declared that the ban on marriage is unconstitutional, and the LGBTQ+ community has been working for marital equality there as well. Surveys indicate that the population is in favor of it, but the ruling party’s more established members have been fiercely opposed, sabotaging attempts.

In 2022, Singapore repealed a legislation from the colonial era that forbade homosexual relations, but it also changed its constitution to stop courts from questioning the notion of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: After a cargo ship crash, six people are believed to be dead and the search is paused |

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses: Rebuilding the Baltimore bridge would be fully funded by public funds, according to US President Joe Biden.

Officials stated that six persons who had vanished when a cargo ship in the US city of Baltimore lost power and collided with a significant bridge early on Tuesday were thought to be dead. The Maryland State Police superintendent, Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr., said on Tuesday night that search efforts for the six individuals had been put on hold until the following day.

Maersk, a shipping corporation, has confirmed that the entire crew of the Singapore-flagged container ship “Dali,” which crashed into the Baltimore bridge and nearly collapsed, sending cars and people falling into the river below, was Indian.

Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath of the Coast Guard told the news agency AP, “We do not believe that we are going to find any of these individuals still alive at this point based on the length of time that we have gone in this search… (and) the water temperature.”

One of the busiest roads in the country, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, will be fully rebuilt at no expense to the government, according to US President Joe Biden.

Baltimore bridge collapse: Latest updates

  • The crew of the ship, according to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, sent out a mayday call just before the collision destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, allowing authorities to restrict traffic on the span. Moore declared, “These people are heroes.” “They prevented deaths last night.”
  • The objective was changed from search and rescue to search and recovery, according to Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr. He said that the search was on pause and that divers would visit the location again on Wednesday at six in the morning, when the difficult conditions from the previous night should clear up.
  • According to the state’s transportation secretary, Paul Wiedefeld, the six persons who are still missing were working as part of a construction group that was patching potholes on the bridge.
  • Given the depth of the water and the amount of time that had passed since the collapse, Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, the firm that employed the workers, stated on Tuesday afternoon that they were assumed to be dead.
  • Two people have been retrieved from the water by the rescuers. A patient received hospital treatment and was released a few hours later. Authorities didn’t think anyone was inside the several cars that ended up in the river.
  • When the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrived on the site, they declared that there was no solid evidence pointing to terrorism.
  • Flying from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, was the Dali. under a Singaporean flag, according per Marine Traffic information. The website states that the cargo ship is roughly 48 meters wide and 300 meters long.
  • Although a June inspection revealed a fault with Dali’s machinery, a more recent review turned up no flaws, according to the maritime information system Equasis.
  • According to Bloomberg, the Baltimore bridge is expected to halt the port’s coal exports for up to six weeks and prevent the transportation of up to 2.5 million tons of coal, according to Ernie Thrasher, CEO of Xcoal Energy & Resources LLC. Baltimore is the second-largest coal terminal in the United States, with around 74 million tons shipped by the country last year.
  • Synergy Maritime Group, a shipping company, had earlier claimed in a statement

Also Read : Mumbai hookah bar raid results in the arrest of Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui and other people.

Meet Binod Chaudhary  born in Marwari family, became Nepal’s richest, donated over Rs 200000000

The only billionaire in Nepal and the richest man in the nation is Binod Chaudhary. Binod Chaudhary, a well-known figure in the Indian subcontinent, is the creator of Wai Wai, a popular alternative to Maggi noodles. With a current net worth of around Rs 14999 crore, according to Forbes, Binod Chaudhary is not near as wealthy as the richest Indians, Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Ratan Tata. That being said, Binod’s success story is not any less remarkable than anyone else’s. Binod Chaudhary, who was raised in a Marwari household in Kathmandu, adores Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan. His grandparents immigrated from India to Nepal and established a prosperous textile company there. Subsequently, Binod’s father took over the business and proceeded to grow it into various other sectors, including building. The company flourished after Binod Chaudhary assumed leadership. Binod takes cues from Ratan Tata’s father, JRD Tata, regarding expanding company prospects.

Binod Chaudhary


When Binod Chaudhary visited Thailand, he saw firsthand how popular instant noodles were there. That’s where he got the inspiration to launch Wai Wai, his own brand. As a shrewd businessman, Binod also collaborated with National Panasonsic and attempted to market Suzuki automobiles throughout the nation. He had an interest in accounting and had intended to travel to India to pursue a degree in chartered accountancy. However, after learning that his father had a heart condition, he had to abandon his plans in order to help him.

In 1990, Chaudhary founded the Cinnovation Group in Singapore, and in 1995, he acquired the Dubai government’s majority share in Nabil Bank. In addition to his commercial ventures, he is a well-known politician and philanthropist. More than Rs 20 crore was donated by Binod Chaudhary to aid with the reconstruction of homes and schools damaged in the terrible 2015 earthquake. In addition, he gave thousands of juice cartons, 500,000 packs of Wai Wai noodles, food, and water to those in need.

Also check for Two More Senior Police Officers Arrested In Telangana Phone Tapping Case!

You can also check for Anant Ambani (Businessman) Biography

This article is Publisher by DNA India

Pakistan’s second-largest naval air base under terrorist attack

Pakistani security forces have said they have foiled the armed attack on the PNS Siddique naval air base in Balochistan and said six militants were killed.

In Short

  • Armed terrorist attack on Pakistan’s PNS Siddique naval air base
  • Attack claimed by Balochistan Liberation Army’s Majeed Brigade
  • Pakistan claims 6 terrorists dead, no loss of sensitive installations

Pakistan’s second-largest naval air base, PNS Siddique, in Balochistan province’s Turbat city has come under an armed terrorist attack. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army’s (BLA) Majeed Brigade had claimed responsibility for the attack on the base, where Chinese drones are stationed.

According to The Balochistan Post newspaper, the Majeed Brigade sent a statement to the media, saying that “we have entered the Pakistani Naval Airbase in Turbat”.

It also claimed to have killed “over a dozen” security personnel at the naval base.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper said the attack on Monday night came after a series of explosions and firing in the city, which, according to local residents, began at about 10 pm and continued for several hours.

A high-ranking official told the newspaper that the attackers “came from three sides of the airport boundary, but security forces responded immediately and foiled their attempt to infiltrate the premises”.

However, he did not provide any further details, including if there were any casualties or injuries amongst the forces.

Citing security officials, the Dawn newspaper also said that “six militants were killed outside the Turbat airport boundary, ensuring the safety of the base”.

The officials also said that there were no reports of any loss of “sensitive naval installations” at the station, while the Frontier Corps and the navy’s special group “successfully isolated the terrorists”.

The Pakistan Army is yet to make an official statement on the attack.

The Balochistan Post said that this was the BLA’s third attack of this year.

On January 29, the separatist group launched an assault in Mach city and on March 20, they attacked the Gwadar port, leading to the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers and eight assailants.

The BLA has been actively seeking independence for Balochistan and has been involved in various violent acts against the state.

Also read: AAP to gherao PM Narendra Modi’s home following today’s detention of Arvind Kejriwal, police increase security

Moscow terror attack: US finds no proof of Ukrainian government complicity!

The “heinous” terrorist attack carried out by ISIS at the Crocus City Hall music venue near Moscow has been harshly denounced by the US

Moscow terror attack: The United States reiterated that there is no proof linking the Ukrainian government to the terrorist incident at the Moscow music hall, which was carried out by ISIS at Crocus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is aware that ISIS carried out this terrorist assault, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s statement on Tuesday.

“ISIS was the group that carried out this terrorist attack. Mr. Putin is aware of that. He is fully aware of that. Furthermore, she stated, “There is not a shred of proof linking the Ukrainian government to this attack.”

Karine Jean-Pierre expressed her condolences, saying that she wanted to take a moment to reflect and send her sincere sympathies to everyone who was harmed in this awful attack as well as to the families of those who lost loved ones.

“We continue to strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow,” she said.

“We make that extremely apparent. To be more precise, we conducted a public advisory and notified Americans residing in Russia on March 7. And here, Pierre stated, ISIS is the only one to blame.

The music hall terror attack claimed the lives of at least 133 people.

The “heinous” terrorist act carried out by ISIS at the Crocus City Hall music venue outside Moscow has been harshly condemned by the United States, which has also sent its sympathies to the families of the deceased.

ISIS must be vanquished globally, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre, who referred to the group as a “common terrorist enemy” in a statement.

“The horrific terrorist attack that occurred in Moscow is strongly denounced by the United States.” Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone impacted by these heinous assaults on defenseless civilians, as well as to those who lost loved ones. “ISIS is a global terrorist threat that needs to be vanquished,” the statement said.

Additionally, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that the US condones with Russia for the deaths caused by the terrorist assault in Moscow.

Blinken wrote on X, “The terrorist attack in Moscow on March 22 is strongly condemned by the United States.” We are in sympathy with the Russian people as they mourn the lives lost in this terrible incident.”

Also Read: After clearing bail, Elvish Yadav’s first Instagram post featured opulent cars and a teaching on how time is the best teacher.

Moscow concert hall attack toll rises to 93, 4 ‘terrorists’ among 11 arrested

A total of 93 people have so far been killed in the Moscow concert hall attack. Eleven people, including four terrorists, were arrested for the attack.

In Short

  • Death toll in Moscow concert hall attack rises to 93
  • Eleven people arrested in connection with the attack
  • Four of those arrested deemed ‘terrorists’

The death toll in Friday’s Moscow concert hall attack has gone up to 93. Meanwhile, eleven people were arrested on Saturday for their involvement in the attack, Russian media reports said.

Among those arrested were four ‘terrorists’, according to the reports.

Multiple fatalities were reported after assailants burst into the concert hall in western Moscow and sprayed the crowd with gunfire.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on affiliated channels on social media.

The attack was the deadliest in Russia in years and left the concert hall in flames and with a collapsing roof.

The head of Russia’s Federal Security Service told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday that four people directly involved in the attack were among 11 people arrested, Russian media stated.

Soon after the incident, a fleet of emergency vehicles were seen gathering outside the ruins of Crocus City Hall, a shopping mall and music venue with a capacity of more than 6,000 people in Krasnogorsk, on Moscow’s western edge.

Friday’s attack came just days after President Putin cemented his grip on power in a highly orchestrated electoral landslide.

The attack was the deadliest in Russia in years and came as the country’s fight in Ukraine dragged into a third year.

Videos widely shared on social media showed gunmen in the venue shooting civilians at point-blank range.

The roof of the theatre, where crowds had gathered Friday for a performance by the Russian rock band Picnic, collapsed in the early hours of Saturday morning as firefighters spent hours fighting a fire which erupted during the attack.

Also,read: IPL 2024: CSK defeats RCB, with Rachin Ravindra making a brilliant debut and the team winning by six wickets!

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal marries Mexican entrepreneur Grecia Munoz…

Entrepreneur Grecia Munoz and Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal have reportedly tied the knot, according to Moneycontrol.com.

The individual stated that their wedding occurred over a month ago while declining to reveal their identify. Model Munoz, who was born in Mexico, is presently concentrating on starting her own high-end consumer goods company.

Goyal, the man behind the food delivery service, and Munoz, a Mexican native, reportedly returned from their honeymoon in February.

Goyal is getting married again. He initially married Kanchan Joshi, a student at IIT Delhi whom he had met.

Click Here To Read Deepinder Goyal (CEO of Zomato) Biography

Teases from Munoz’s “Dilli Darshan” were already made public in January.

Instagram users saw Munoz sharing photos of herself exploring some of the most famous locations in the country’s capital, such as the Red Fort, along with the statement, “Glimpses of my new life at my new home.”
41-year-old Deepinder Goyal established and currently serves as the CEO of Zomato, an app for food delivery with its headquarters located in Gurugram. He started the company in 2008 under the name Foodiebay out of his home.

Also Check Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest and Pranab Mukherjee’s Daughter: “Karma Catches Up”

This Article is originally posted by NEWS18

Kate Middleton ‘working from home’, says Kensington Palace amid rumours: Report

Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been working from home on a special children’s project, and easing back to normal life, Kensington Palace has confirmed to The Telegraph.

In Short

  • Kate Middleton busy with ‘Shaping Us’ project while working from home
  • Kensington Palace said she is easing back to normal life after surgery
  • Princess of Wales has been absent from public life since December

Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been working from home post her abdominal surgery, as she eases back to normal life, Kensington Palace confirmed to The Telegraph. She has been busy with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s (RFCEC) ‘Shaping Us’ project aimed at improving the lives of babies.

The palace said that the Princess of Wales had been kept up to date with her campaign, which has led to “overwhelming results” of the study she inspired. She launched the project in January, with the objective of highlighting the importance of early years’ development in children.

This development came after the staff of a hospital in central London where Kate Middleton had surgery reportedly tried to illegally access her private medical records. The UK’s information watchdog launched an investigation into the alleged incident.

The incident reportedly happened at The London Clinic, a private medical facility, where the 42-year-old Princess of Wales underwent surgery in January. Three workers have reportedly been placed under investigation by the London Clinic.

Kate Middleton’s long absence from public life has been marred by speculation and conspiracy theories. It was fuelled after the palace posted a picture of the princess with her three children, which was later pulled by several media agencies as it was digitally altered. The Princess of Wales later apologised for the confusion over the doctored photo, citing her love for “experimenting” as the reason behind the alteration.

Recently, footage surfaced showing Kate Middleton shopping with her husband, Prince William, at a local farm shop near Windsor. Though many claimed it was the princess’s lookalike, Heidi Agan, she dismissed speculation, telling The Mirror in an interview that she was working as a teacher at a dance and musical theatre group elsewhere.

Kensington Palace has assured the public that the Princess of Wales is recovering from the abdominal surgery, and won’t be resuming royal duties until after the Easter school break.

Also Read: The opening match of the IPL 2024 season will spotlight MS Dhoni new role and Virat Kohli return!