Month: November 2024

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-Top News India News USA

ADANI INDICTED IN US 

Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and six others indicted for allegedly offering $265 million in bribes to Indian government officials for securing “lucrative solar energy supply contracts” with state electricity distribution companies …reports Asian Lite News

US prosecutors in New York indicted Adani Group Chairman Gautam S Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and six others on Wednesday for allegedly offering Rs 2,029 crore ($265 million) in bribes to Indian government officials for securing “lucrative solar energy supply contracts” with state electricity distribution companies. 

“This indictment alleges schemes to pay over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials, to lie to investors and banks to raise billions of dollars, and to obstruct justice,” a press release issued by the US Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, said quoting US Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lisa H Miller. 

The other six defendants named are: i) Vneet Jaain, who is the CEO of Adani Green Energy Ltd, ii) Ranjit Gupta (who was CEO of Azure Power Global Ltd between 2019 and 2022), iii) Rupesh Agarwal, who also worked with Azure Power (between 2022 and 2023); iv, v, vi) Cyril Cabanes, a citizen of Australia and France, Saurabh Agarwal and Deepak Malhotra, all three who worked with a Canadian institutional investor. 

An Adani Group spokesperson said the group would soon issue a statement. Sources in the Adani Group said the charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

In a parallel move, the Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday charged Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani, executives of Adani Green Energy Ltd., and Cyril Cabanes, an executive of Azure Power Global Ltd., with conduct arising out of a massive bribery scheme. SEC filed both the complaints in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. 

In their indictment, the US prosecutors have anonymised the names of all entities and some individuals but noted in the footnote that their identities are known to the Grand Jury. Gautam Adani is named but is described as the Founder of an Indian Conglomerate, which is a diversified, multinational organisation with corporate offices in India. Sagar Adani (Executive Director of Adani Green Energy) is described as the Executive Director of an “Indian Energy Company” which is a publicly-listed renewable energy company in the Conglomerate’s portfolio. Ranjit Gupta, who was the CEO of Azure Power, and Rupesh Agarwal who was the Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer of Azure Power, are described with the same designations working for an “US Issuer”. 

Explaining what it called the “corrupt solar project”, the prosecutors said the “Indian Energy Company” and the “US Issuer” won awards to supply 8 gigawatts and 4 gigawatts of solar power at a fixed rate to state-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India. But since SECI could not find any state electricity distribution companies to purchase this power, it could not enter into corresponding power purchase agreements with Adani Group and Azure Power. 

As a result, in or about 2020, the defendants Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani, Vneet S Jaain, Ranjit Gupta and Co-Conspirator #2, among others, devised a scheme to offer, authorise, make and promise to make bribe payments to Indian government officials in exchange for the government officials causing state electricity distribution companies to enter into power supply agreements with SECI,” it said. Co-Conspirator #2 is one of the two conspirators who once worked with the “US Issuer” and “undertook extensive efforts to corruptly persuade government officials”. 

Referring to a high-ranking government official of Andhra Pradesh as “Foreign Official #1”, it said “Rs 1,750 crore (approximately $228 million) of the corrupt payments was offered in exchange for… causing Andhra Pradesh’s state electricity distribution companies to agree to purchase seven gigawatts of solar power from SECI (state-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India) under the Manufacturing Linked Project.” 

Gautam Adani, the indictment said, had personally met “Foreign Official #1” to advance the execution of a power supply agreement between SECI and Andhra Pradesh’s state electricity distribution companies thrice during August-November 2021.   

Referring to communications about the bribery scheme between the defendants and conspirators, the indictment says, Gautam S Adani was referred to in code name as “SAG,” “Mr[.] A,” “Numero uno” and “the big man”, and Jaain as “V,” “snake” and “Numero uno minus one.” 

Cong demands JPC probe 

Reacting to the indictment and the SEC move, Congress leader and General Secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, said, “The indictment of Gautam Adani and others by the SEC vindicates the demand that the Congress has been making since Jan 2023 for a JPC investigation into the various Modani scams.” 

Adani shares down by up to 20% 

Shares of Adani group companies plummeted by up to 20 per cent after the indictment. Adani Green Energy plunged by 18.76 per cent, Adani Energy Solutions by 20 per cent, Adani Enterprises by 10 per cent, Adani Power by 13.98 per cent and Adani Ports by 10 per cent in the morning session. Adani shares dragged the benchmark Sensex by 0.85 per cent, or 655 points, to 76,922.56 and the NSE Nifty fell by 198 points to 23,319.95 on selling pressure. 

ALSO READ: Leaders of Guyana, Barbados welcome PM Modi at airport 

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-Top News India News World News

CARICOM Applauds Modi’s Leadership

PM Modi assured CARICOM of continued help and cooperation when the region and the Global South have been hit hard by the new challenges the world is facing…reports Asian Lite News

Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of nations have expressed their gratitude to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming the voice of the Global South and putting the concerns of the Caribbean nations on the world’s agenda.

Responding to them at the second India-CARICOM Summit on Wednesday, PM Modi assured them of continued help and cooperation when the region and the Global South have been hit hard by the new challenges the world is facing.

India has always responded to the concerns of the Global South, he said.

CARICOM’s Chairman Dickon Mitchell said, “I express on behalf of all of CARICOM citizens, our deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the government and great people of India for India’s proactive and influential role in championing the ideals and aspirations of the Global South.”

Mitchell, who is also the Prime Minister of Grenada, said, “We commend India’s unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of our region, especially in this intricate and interconnected era of globalisation.”

He told the CARICOM leaders that PM Modi’s “commitment to fostering international partnerships and his dedication to sustainable development has set a remarkable example for us all”.

He mentioned India’s donation of Covid vaccines to the CARICOM countries and said “It demonstrated that at the time of its own great need, it cared enough about its brothers and sisters within CARICOM”.

He said that PM Modi’s “visionary leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the ties between India and CARICOM”.

Mitchell added, “His leadership has not only propelled India to new heights, but it has also opened new avenues for collaboration with our region” and noted India’s emergence as the fastest-growing major economy.

“Our collaboration spans various sectors, including trade, technology, healthcare, education, and climate resilience, each contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of our regions” and “India’s expertise in such key areas as agriculture, energy, health, human resource development, and information and communications technology” can help the region, he said.

CARICOM Summit’s host, Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, told PM Modi that with his “visionary leadership, India has become an influential voice in the international community, you are emerging as the voice of the Global South”.

India’s leadership of the G20 and its role in BRICS, the group of emerging major economies, and PM Modi’s “steadfast advocacy for the developing world underscores your commitment to advancing the aspirations of the Global South,” Ali said.

“These initiatives have elevated India’s stature and placed the concerns of developing nations, including the small island developing low-lying coastal states of the Caribbean, formally on the global agenda,” he added.

He said that PM Modi’s “steadfast advocacy for the developing world” and “advancing aspirations and Global South” have raised his stature.

Ali told PM Modi that this was an occasion for the leaders of CARICOM “to thank you and the people of India for your selfless attributes when you deliver to this region or a forest set of vaccines during the Covid pandemic”.

ALSO READ: Leaders of Guyana, Barbados welcome PM Modi at airport 

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Dubai Food Lifestyle

Ultimate Truffle and Mushroom Experience at Armani/Caffč 

Guests will be whisked away to the enchanting shores of the Italian Riviera, where the art of leisurely dining and delightful conversations come together in perfect harmony. 

Armani/Caffč, the elegant restaurant nestled in the luxurious Fashion Avenue of the iconic Dubai Mall, is launching a new truffle and mushroom ‘Funghi e Tartufo’ menu. Celebrating the rich autumnal flavours, Armani/Caffč welcomes guests to indulge in the new chef’s special menu, while soaking in the elegant atmosphere of the Italian restaurant. 

Guests will be whisked away to the enchanting shores of the Italian Riviera, where the art of leisurely dining and delightful conversations come together in perfect harmony. Armani/Caffe’s new truffle and mushroom set menu offers a refined and elevated experience, available daily for those seeking a taste of the season’s best flavours.  

Armani/Caffe’s new ‘Funghi e Tartufo’ menu invites guests to indulge in a series of refined dishes that highlight the luxurious flavours of truffles and mushrooms. The experience begins with Insalata Autunale and Bruschetta Boscaiola, followed by a choice of pasta or risotto, including Mezzi Rigatoni ai 4 Formaggi e Tartufo and Risotto ai Funghi e Tartufo. For pizza lovers, the menu offers Pizza Tartufina and Pizza Zucca, Zola e Tartufo, while the main course includes the indulgent Tagliata di Manzo. 

This carefully curated menu invites diners to experience an exquisite selection of truffle and mushroom plates, each expertly crafted to highlight the rich, earthy aromas and luxurious textures of these autumnal ingredients. Whether you’re a connoisseur of truffles or simply looking to savour the season, this menu promises to transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite. 

Funghi e Tartufo Menu Details:  

Where: Armani/Caffč, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall  

Dates: Monday to Friday 10am – 12am, Saturday to Sunday 10am – 1am 

For reservations and more information, visit www.instagram.com/armanicaffe.dubai or contact +971 4 362 7888. 

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Food Lifestyle Recipes

TODAY’S RECIPE: DELICIOUS MUSHROOM STIR-FRY

By Nisa Farza Firoz

Ingredient for marination

  1. Mushrooms – 400 g
  2. Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
  3. Red Chilli Powder – 1 tsp
  4. Green Chillies -2 slits
  5. Ginger – 1 tsp (chopped)
  6. Salt – as per your taste

Other ingredients

  1. Garlic – 1 tsp (chopped)
  2. Onions – 2 (sliced)
  3. Capsicum – 1 (thinly sliced)
  4. Pepper Powder – 1 tsp
  5. Red Chilli Flakes – ½ tsp
  6. Lemon Juice – 1 tsp
  7. Butter – 3 tbsp

Method

  1. Marinate the mushrooms with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, chopped ginger, green chillies and salt. Keep aside for 15 mins.
  2. Heat butter in a pan on low – medium flame. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until the raw smell goes. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add in the capsicum and sauté for 5 mins. Now add in the marinated mushrooms and mix everything well. Keep on stirring the mushrooms at intervals as the mushrooms will release water. Cook until the water dries up.
  4. Now add in the pepper powder, red chilli flakes. Season it with salt accordingly. Sauté the mushrooms for 2 mins and switch of the flame.
  5. Lastly add in the lemon juice.

SERVE HOT AND ENJOY!

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Pan-India campaign to promote healthy ageing & longevity

The campaign also aims to boost the well-being of India’s elderly population — projected to rise to 347 million by 2050…reports Asian Lite News

The National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), under the Ministry of Ayush, on Tuesday launched a pan-India campaign focusing on the theme ‘Healthy Ageing and Longevity.’

The campaign, which marks the 7th Naturopathy Day, is centred around Gandhian principles of natural cures and sustainable living as preventive measures against diseases.

The campaign also aims to boost the well-being of India’s elderly population — projected to rise to 347 million by 2050.

It stresses the need to foster compassion, promote good nutrition, adopt healthy lifestyles, and address emotional and mental health challenges.

As part of the campaign, NIN organised health camps at 35 old age homes in and around Pune, reaching approximately 1,500 elderly individuals.

These camps included yoga sessions, health discussions, and naturopathy treatments designed to support the holistic well-being of senior citizens.

“In today’s era of nuclear families, the elderly often face social and emotional challenges. Our campaign not only provides physical health interventions but also encourages community-building and compassion,” said Prof. (Dr.) Satya Lakshmi, Director, NIN, Pune.

The campaign will also engage “schoolchildren to sensitise them about the importance of caring for senior citizens”, Lakshmi said.

It will run with the motto, ‘Turn to Nature for Physical Health’ and ‘Return to Community for Emotional and Mental Health,’ reflecting the necessity of connecting with nature. It also urges the need to foster community bonds for holistic health.

Further, NIN has announced an Inter-Collegiate Intellectual Meet, scheduled for January 10-11, 2025, in Pune.

The event aims to provide a platform for 500 students from yoga and naturopathy colleges across the country to engage in healthy competition and knowledge exchange.

Naturopathy Day, observed every year on November 18, was first declared by the Ministry of Ayush in 2018.

The day also holds a historical significance as on this date Mahatma Gandhi became the lifetime Chairman of the All India Nature Cure Foundation Trust in 1945.

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Why lost weight bounces back fast?

The team first analysed fat cells from overweight mice and those that had shed their excess weight through dieting…reports Asian Lite News

Ever felt frustrated for having regained your lost weight within a matter of weeks? Blame the fat cells’ memorising abilities, which is significantly contributing to obesity, according to a study.

Researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland showed that obesity leads to characteristic epigenetic changes in the nucleus of fat cells. They remain the same even after a diet.

The team led by Ferdinand von Meyenn, Professor of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics at the varsity, found that “fat cells remember the overweight state and can return to this state more easily”.

The team first analysed fat cells from overweight mice and those that had shed their excess weight through dieting.

Their findings revealed that mice with these epigenetic markers regained weight more quickly when they again had access to a high-fat diet.

Epigenetic markers play a key role in determining which genes are active in our cells and which are not.

The study, published in the journal Nature, found that the mechanism works in similar ways in humans.

To explore, the team analysed fat tissue biopsies from formerly overweight people who had undergone stomach reduction or gastric bypass surgery. The results were consistent with those of the mice.

Von Meyenn noted that the simplest way to combat the phenomenon, “is to avoid being overweight”, especially for children, youth, and adults.

The researchers for the first time showed that “fat cells possess an epigenetic memory of obesity”. However, fat cells may not be alone with this ability, the team said.

They noted that the findings implied that the cells in the brain, blood vessels, or other organs may also have the ability to remember obesity and contribute to the effect — an area that can be explored next.

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Health Lifestyle World News

Parkinson’s may surge to 3.15 million worldwide by 2033

It showed that the US is predicted to have the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of Parkinson’s…reports Asian Lite News

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is expected to increase to 3.15 million in 2033 from 2.64 million in 2023, at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 1.94 per cent, according to a report on Monday.

The report by GlobalData, a data and analytics company, showed the rise in prevalence of diagnosed cases of the progressive brain disorder will specifically be seen in the seven major countries — the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan.

It showed that the US is predicted to have the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of Parkinson’s (1.24 million). Italy, with nearly 0.16 million cases, will have the lowest number.

“In 2023, adults aged 60 and older accounted for over 90 per cent of diagnosed prevalent cases of PD, while adults ages 18-39 made up less than 1 per cent. This age distribution aligns with findings showing higher PD prevalence among older populations,” said Rahul N Ravi, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData.

“There is a slight predominance of sex-specific diagnosed prevalent cases favouring men. Differences across the sexes and markets may be mostly attributed to differences in the underlying demographic differences in each market, as well as the significant differences in sex-specific diagnosed prevalence,” Ravi added.

PD is an incurable neurodegenerative disease clinically categorised as a movement disorder with prominent motor symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. It is the second most common chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly, after Alzheimer’s disease.

While current treatments provide symptomatic relief, there is no cure available to halt or slow the progression of the disease.

“PD is among the most common chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorders affecting the elderly population. As PD predominantly impacts older adults, countries with growing ageing populations must develop strategies to address the healthcare needs of individuals with PD,” Ravi said.

He added that in the coming 10 years, the seven countries with the highest risk are expected to be crucial for PD treatment due to their ageing populations.

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Excessive screen time may raise risk of early puberty

The findings linked the early risk of puberty with accelerated bone growth and bone age caused because of exposure to blue light…reports Asian Lite News

Even as children are increasingly getting exposed to screens from a young age, a new study in rats showed that long-term exposure to blue light, emitting from smartphones or tablets, may lead to early puberty.

The findings linked the early risk of puberty with accelerated bone growth and bone age caused because of exposure to blue light.

The research, presented at the 62nd Annual European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Meeting in Liverpool, is the first to explore the link between bone growth and pubertal development.

“This is the first study to show how blue light could potentially influence physical growth and development, prompting further research into the effects of modern screen exposure on children’s growth,” said lead researcher Dr Aylin Kılınc Ugurlu, from Gazi University in Turkey.

As the study was conducted in rats, “we cannot be sure that these findings would be replicated in children but our data suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light accelerates both the physical growth and maturation of the growth plate, leading to early puberty,” Ugurlu noted.

When children grow they develop long bones such as the femur, which progressively elongates at each end. This eventually solidifies stopping growth in height. While girls reach their maximum height between ages 14 and 16, boys finish their growth between 16 and 18 years of age.

However recent studies have pointed out a rise in early puberty in both girls and boys. The studies show that the children might grow quickly at first but often stop growing earlier than usual. One factor may be the increased use of blue light-emitting devices, Ugurlu said.

The study was conducted on 18 male and 18 female rats aged 21 days old. These were divided into three groups of six and exposed to either a normal light cycle, six hours, or 12 hours of blue light until the first signs of puberty.

The team measured their length and femur and found that the rats exposed to blue light had faster growth, particularly in their bones.

“This means their bones matured too soon, which could potentially cause them to be shorter than average as adults,” Ugurlu said, stressing the need for more studies.

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-Top News Asia News Crime

Deadly Attack in Pakistan Targets Military

The attack occurred late Tuesday night when a joint security post of the Pakistan Army and Frontier Constabulary (FC) was targeted by at least six assailants, who drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the post’s wall…reports Asian Lite News

At least 12 security personnel from the Pakistan Army were killed and another 10 critically injured in a suicide attack on a security check post in MaliKhel in Bannu District of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

As per Pakistan military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the deadly attack took place late Tuesday night when a joint security post of Pakistan Army and the Frontier Constabulary (FC) was attacked by at least six men, who rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the wall of the post.

“The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted by troops. The suicide blast led to collapse of portion of perimeter wall and damaged adjoining infrastructure, resulting in shahadat (martyrdom) of 12 brave sons of soil that include 10 soldiers of Frontier Constabulary,” read a statement issued by the ISPR.

“Sanitization operation is being conducted in the area and the perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice. Security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,” the statement added.

ISPR also stated that the six militants who attacked the post were neutralised during exchange of fire with the security forces.

Till now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack but it is believed that terror groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliate groups, could be behind it.

The attack comes at a critical time when KP and Balochistan provinces are seeing a major surge in targeted attacks on security forces.

The latest attack in Bannu district comes only a day after a similar attack was carried out on a paramilitary border post in Balochistan.

The attack in Balochistan’s Kalat district killed at least seven soldiers and injured 15 others. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

BLA had also claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a railway station that had killed 26 people.

Taking a serious note of the increasing spike in militant attacks in Balochistan, Pakistan government and the security establishment has formally approved a comprehensive military operation against organisations operating in the province.

In a high-level meeting of the apex committee held at the Prime Minister House, a military operation in Balochistan against terror groups, including Majeed Brigade, BLA, Baloch Liberation Front, and Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar, was approved. The groups have been involved in several attacks on security forces, civilians and foreign nationals, especially Chinese citizens working on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects in Pakistan.

The apex committee chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was attended by the country’s Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, cabinet ministers, chief ministers and senior government officials.

“The participants of the meeting were briefed on the evolving security landscape an the measures being taken to counter terrorism and other critical challenges, including general law and order situation, actions against efforts to stroke sub-nationalism, religious extremism, tackling the illegal spectrum and crime-terror nexus, subversion and disinformation campaigns, among other issues”, read a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after the meeting.

During the meeting, Munir asserted unwavering resolve to eliminate all threats to the country’s national security.

“All those who create obstruction in Pakistan’s security or try to stop them from performing their duty would face the music. Every Pakistani is a soldier in the war against terrorism, whether in uniform or not,” the Pakistan Army Chief reportedly said at the meeting.

ALSO READ: Pakistan bans large gatherings ahead of PTI rally 

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-Top News Arab News Asia News

Netanyahu Vows End of Hamas Rule in Gaza

Netanyahu also announced a financial incentive for Gaza residents who provide information about hostages…reports Asian Lite News

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz toured the Gaza coastline, vowing that Hamas would no longer govern the Palestinian enclave after the war.

Accompanied by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet security agency Chief Ronen Bar on Tuesday, the two politicians visited an area dubbed by Israel as the Netzarim Corridor.

The Israeli military now controls this route, which divides the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, reports Xinhua news agency.

Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the two received a briefing from military commanders on operational activities at an observation point in the corridor and “held a discussion with the commanders on the Gaza coastline.”

“Hamas will not rule Gaza,” Netanyahu said in a video statement filmed against the backdrop of Gaza’s coastline. “We are dismantling its military capabilities in a very impressive manner. We are now targeting its governing capabilities, and this is just the beginning. Hamas will not remain in Gaza.”

Netanyahu also announced a financial incentive for Gaza residents who provide information about hostages, stating: “Anyone who brings us a hostage will secure a safe way out for themselves and their family. We will also reward 5 million dollars for each hostage.”

On November 9, Qatar, a mediator on a hostage-for-ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, announced it was suspending its efforts due to the lack of good faith from both sides.

The Israeli military attack, launched after a Hamas-led attack last October that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in the kidnapping of about 250 others, has caused widespread devastation in Gaza. According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 43,900 Palestinians have been killed in the over-year-long conflict.

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