Tag: woman

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India News Lite Blogs

India’s First Woman Mahout Breaks Stereotypes

Beyond her hands-on work with elephants, Parbati actively contributed to developing government regulations aimed at minimizing human-elephant confrontations, thus making significant strides in wildlife conservation efforts…reports Asian Lite News

Parbati Baruah, affectionately known as the ‘Elephant Girl’ (Hasti Kanya) in Assam, made history as India’s first woman mahout (elephant keeper), receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award for her remarkable contributions to animal conservation. The 67-year-old was honored at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Hailing from the Gauripur royal family in the Goalpara district of Assam, Parbati embarked on her extraordinary journey into the world of elephants at a tender age. At just 14 years old, she, alongside her father Prakritesh Barua, captured their first elephant in the dense forests of Kachugaon in Kokrajhar district.

Parbati’s dedication to her unconventional profession spanned four decades, during which she played a pivotal role in mitigating human-elephant conflicts and challenging gender stereotypes prevalent in her field. Her expertise in taming wild elephants and understanding their behavior earned her widespread recognition not only in Assam but also in neighboring states like West Bengal and Odisha.

Beyond her hands-on work with elephants, Parbati actively contributed to developing government regulations aimed at minimizing human-elephant confrontations, thus making significant strides in wildlife conservation efforts.

Recognized as the ‘Queen of the Elephants,’ Parbati’s remarkable journey was immortalized in a book by British travel writer and naturalist Mark Roland Shand, followed by a widely acclaimed BBC documentary.

After decades of dedicated service as a mahout, Parbati redirected her focus towards animal conservation and is currently affiliated with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Asian Elephant Specialist Group (IUCN).

Parbati’s Padma Shri accolade not only honors her individual achievements but also celebrates her family’s legacy of excellence, with her sister, renowned folk singer Pratima Pandey Barua, also having received the Padma Shri recognition, alongside their relative, award-winning filmmaker Pramathesh Barua.

Parbati’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to protecting the majestic creatures she holds dear, exemplifying resilience, determination, and a profound love for wildlife conservation.

ALSO READ-132 Padma Awards This Year

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-Top News UAE News Woman

Noura Al Kaabi Stresses Women’s Role in Diplomacy

Minister Al Kaabi emphasised the distinguished position of Emirati women in the field of diplomatic action…reports Asian Lite News

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, participated in a roundtable discussion on women in diplomacy, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the UAE and the Fiker Institute and Fiker Library in Dubai. The session saw the attendance of several ambassadors and diplomatic representatives.

The discussion covered ways of reinforcing women’s participation in diplomacy, as well as gender equality in foreign policy management and in the diplomatic field. Participants explored women’s scope of work in the sector, and exchanged insights and experiences gained through their missions in this field.

In her opening speech, Al Kaabi highlighted that Emirati womens’ comprehensive and distinct achievements are a pragmatic reflection of the UAE’s vision first championed under the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues this legacy, which has contributed to strengthening women’s roles in all field and sectors.

Minister Al Kaabi commended the crucial role of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) “the Mother of the Nation”, in supporting women as key partners in the comprehensive development of the UAE.

Furthermore, she emphasised the importance of the influence of women in diplomacy across various levels, and their role in shaping and supporting the international diplomatic system, as well as their valuable contributions in leading global diplomatic action.

Minister Al Kaabi also emphasised the distinguished position of Emirati women in the field of diplomatic action, which reflects the UAE’s keenness to empower women and support their role in decision-making.

Over the past years, the UAE has continued to strengthen women’s representation in the diplomatic sector through providing an equal work environment, and ensuring they receive the support required to succeed. The UAE’s endeavors have contributed to women’s major achievements in various organisations, at international fora, and at the UN, in addition to holding internationally prominent positions.

She affirmed the UAE’s keenness to work and collaborate with the international community to empower women in the diplomatic field, and invest in their qualifications, which enhances their roles in the sustainable development of the world, and achieves the aspirations of women for progress and prosperity.

The roundtable discussion saw the participation of a number of ambassadors to the UAE, including Natalia Al Mansour, Ambassador of Slovenia; Meropi Christofi, Ambassador of Cyprus; Heidi Finamore, Ambassador of Australia; Tuula Yrjölä, Ambassador of Finland; Dana Goldfinča, Ambassador of Latvia; Maria Camilleri, Ambassador of Malta; Rebeca Sharona Perez Cervantes, Ambassador of Panama; and Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union.

Clare Dalton, Head of Delegation at International Committee of the Red Cross in the UAE; Sajeda Shawa, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the UAE; Meghan Gregonis, Consul-General of the US to the UAE, and Dena Assaf, UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE, also attended the session.

ALSO READ: S&P: UAE’s GDP to Grow Over 5% in 2024

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Fashion India News Woman

The Bomb-Bae Wardrobe: Leading Indian Fashion Brand For New-Age Woman

The idea to modernise Indian fashion by taking into account the changing sensibilities and lifestyle of the new-age woman gave rise to the brand The Bomb-bae Wardrobe. The label promotes a distinctive fusion by focusing on modern silhouettes made from luxurious fabrics and embellished with traditional Indian embroideries, heritage prints and motifs, as well as breathtaking details. Their couture is designed bearing in mind the Indian body types, and conceived by a passion to make dressing up a lavish, yet effortless affair. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

The Bomb-bae Wardrobe has become one of India’s top fashion houses since it was founded. The business, led by their founder Simran Kaur Bhatia, has strategically positioned itself as the one-stop shop for all urban Indian women’s fashion requirements. Their design ethos is based on the modern global Indian woman who wants her Indian Wear wardrobe to be not only fashionable but also practical, simple, and with value for money. Each collection is a tribute to the rich Indian heritage, with contemporary features adding glitz and ease to each piece. They gained popularity by striving to inject creativity and consciousness into everything they produce.

The Bomb-bae Wardrobe is unquestionably one of the top ethnic wear websites online, so whether you’re looking for timeless classics or want to make a statement with unique styles, they’ve got you covered.

About the Founder, Simran Kaur Bhatia

Simran Kaur Bhatia, the visionary behind The Bomb-Bae Wardrobe, has taken the brand to new heights. Simran’s journey as an entrepreneur began with a simple idea – to bridge the gap between traditional Indian fashion and the evolving tastes of modern women. 

She recognized the need for a brand that could offer a seamless blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary silhouettes. This led her to create The Bomb-Bae Wardrobe, a brand that celebrates the rich heritage of Indian fashion while catering to the needs and preferences of the new-age woman.

Simran’s passion for Indian fashion and her commitment to quality and craftsmanship are evident in every piece created by The Bomb-Bae Wardrobe. She personally oversees the design process, ensuring that each garment is a work of art. From selecting luxurious fabrics to incorporating intricate embroideries and prints, Simran leaves no stone unturned to create stunning pieces that exude elegance and charm.

Under Simran’s leadership, The Bomb-Bae Wardrobe has become synonymous with style, sophistication, and innovation. The brand has garnered a loyal customer base, both in India and internationally, who appreciate its unique approach to Indian fashion. Simran’s ability to understand the needs and desires of her customers has been instrumental in the brand’s success.

Simran’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. Building a fashion brand from scratch requires immense dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. However, Simran’s unwavering belief in her vision and her ability to adapt to changing market trends has allowed her to overcome obstacles and emerge as a trailblazer in the industry.

Their Website Link: https://thebombbaewardrobe.com

Information about their outfits

They sell a variety of outfits like Jumpsuits, Kurta Sets, Sarees, Pre Draped Sarees, Bridal Wear, Anarkalis, Lehengas, Gowns and much more. They are into customisation of outfits as well.

They have Introduced the Twilight Pre-draped Saree, a masterpiece of impeccable draping. Made from high-quality fabric, this luxurious saree showcases a sensuous silhouette that is bound to captivate everyone’s attention. Whether it’s a wedding, a party, or a festive celebration, this saree is designed to make a statement and leave a lasting impression.

It only takes no time to drape this beautiful pre stitched saree and it comes with 2 blouse options to choose from. The fabric is stretchy and super comfortable. Highly Recommended!

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Business India News Woman

Equality Advocate Faces Corporate Bias

The legacy of inequality has persisted, but Dr Saluja has valiantly stood against this tide, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for gender equality in the corporate landscape…reports Asian Lite News

Amidst a backdrop where the Indian government fervently advocates for women’s empowerment, exemplified through initiatives such as the women’s reservation Bill aimed at bolstering women’s participation, the corporate sphere grapples with enduring gender biases.

Despite these legislative efforts, discrimination against women in leadership positions persists. The recent confrontation of Dr Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chairperson, Religare Enterprises Limited, with discrimination becomes emblematic of the broader struggle faced by women in the corporate sphere.

The legacy of inequality has persisted, but Dr Saluja has valiantly stood against this tide, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for gender equality in the corporate landscape.

Despite the challenges faced by Dr. Saluja, the Religare board staunchly defends her share sales and contributions to the company’s phenomenal growth. The accusations not only target Dr. Saluja, but also undermine the entire management and board, who have tirelessly worked towards making Religare a debt-free organisation over the past five years.

Dr. Saluja’s story resonates with the broader narrative of discrimination faced by women leaders in India. Prominent figures like Ghazal Alagh of Mamaearth and Vineeta Singh of Sugar Cosmetics have faced similar challenges despite their significant contributions. According to gender-based research by Anupriya Singh of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, women’s representation at the board level stands at a mere two per cent.

Dr. Saluja’s journey itself is a testament to hard work and commitment; qualities that have afforded her the leadership she has endeared within the organisation. However, it’s the society’s patriarchal fabric that has cast an unjust shadow over her accomplishments and her person.

In response to the accusations, Dr Saluja, through a spokesperson, stated, “The recent allegations are not just an attack on me but an attack on the entire leadership and board. We remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency and fairness. The share sales were conducted following due processes, and we are confident that truth will prevail.”

She added, “I believe in the power of resilience. Our fight is not just mine but for every woman who aspires to lead. We must break free from the chains of discrimination and forge a path of equality for the generations to come.”

The REL board ardently negates the allegations faced by Dr. Saluja.

“The accusations fail to diminish Rashmi Saluja’s contribution but rather reflect a society’s failure in treading past its gender biases.”

Previous instances of other leading Indian women have shown similar patterns of fall from grace due to conspiracies sprouted from a deep-rooted societal patriarchal nature.

“Our board stands firmly behind Dr. Saluja as she has shown remarkable resilience in the face of these allegations, refusing to bow down to unfair practices spurred by gender-based discrimination,” the board stated.

The company’s trajectory under her guidance proves her acumen, dedication, and commitment to the success of the company. The consistent rise of REL’s market cap from a critical low to an impressive billion dollars stands as scalable proof of her leadership.

The board has further justified Dr. Saluja’s actions, from share sales to ESOPs, as being routinely compliant, echoing the board’s enduring support for her entire tenure.

As an epitome of resolute triumph against historically-established gender discrimination within the corporate world, Dr. Saluja stands as a beacon for numerous women who aspire to climb the corporate ladder.

ALSO READ: Tech Titans Under Fire In US

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Arab News UAE News Woman

Emirati Doctor is First Arab Woman Chief of IHF

Dr. Tahlak’s election as president of International Hospital Federation (IHF) is a major milestone for the UAE on the global healthcare front.

 The International Hospital Federation (IHF), a global organisation dedicated to advancing and promoting excellence in healthcare delivery and management worldwide, announced that it has elected Emirati Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC), Vice Provost Clinical Practice of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and CEO of Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, as President of the Federation during the World Hospital Congress in Lisbon.

Dr. Tahlak’s election is a major milestone for the UAE on the global healthcare front. As the first Arab woman and Emirati to hold this esteemed position, it underscores the country’s commitment to advancing women’s roles across diverse fields and promoting excellence in the healthcare sector. This achievement also marks a remarkable moment in the IHF’s history, with Dr. Tahlak assuming the highest international position ever held within the organisation.

The IHF Governing Council voted to elect Dr. Tahlak as the new IHF President. In doing so, Dr. Tahlak ends her term as President Designate and begins her two-year term as President of the IHF, succeeding Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, President, and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Dr. Tahlak expressed her gratitude and honour on being appointed, stating, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our visionary leadership for their unwavering commitment to empowering women. Emirati women have consistently excelled in diverse high-ranking roles across various domains. Our nation has also consistently offered abundant opportunities to foster the progress and specialisation of Emirati women, particularly within the medical field.

“This win highlights not only Emirati women’s progress but also reflects the leading position of UAE’s health sector. I am honoured to represent the UAE and fellow Emirati women on such an important global platform,” she added.

Dr. Tahlak also noted that her work with the IHF over the past seven years has provided her with a platform to showcase the exemplary work of the UAE’s hospitals and the invaluable contributions of Emirati women on a global scale.

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation, congratulated Dr. Tahlak on her appointment, emphasising her exceptional leadership, expertise, and remarkable contributions to the healthcare system in Dubai and beyond. He also expressed his pride in Dr. Tahlak’s accomplishments and the recognition she brings to the exceptional talent of Emirati women on the global stage.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for the entire healthcare sector in the UAE. Emirati women have consistently excelled across various domains, particularly in the medical field, making substantial contributions to the nation’s growth and development. Dr. Tahlak’s leadership and dedication play a crucial role in fulfilling DAHC’s mission to impact lives and shape the future of health through the integration of care, learning, discovery, and giving,” he said.

ALSO READ: FATF Onsite Visit to UAE Before February 2024

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-Top News USA

22 years in jail for woman sending ricin letters to Trump

Trump hit with 34 serious criminal charges after historic arrest; denies them

Ferrier also admitted sending similarly tainted letters to eight Texas law enforcement officials…reports Asian Lite News

A US court has sentenced a Canadian woman to 22 years in jail for sending letters laced with ricin poison to former President Donald Trump when he was in office.

On Thursday, District Judge Dabney Friedrich sentenced 56-year-old Pascale Ferrier to 262 months in prison, the BBC reported.

She will be deported from the US after serving her sentence and faces supervision for life if she ever returns.

Judge Friedrich told Ferrier her actions were “potentially deadly” and “harmful to you, harmful to society, harmful to the potential victims”.

Ferrier, a dual citizen of France and Canada, told the court that she regretted that her plan had failed and that she “couldn’t stop Trump”.

In her address, she also said that she saw herself as an activist not a terrorist.

“I want to find peaceful means to achieve my goals,” Ferrier added.

The FBI found her fingerprints on the letter to Trump, which urged him to drop out of the presidential race, the BBC reported.

“I found a new name for you: ‘The Ugly Tyrant Clown’,” she wrote in the letter, according to FBI charging documents.

Ferrier also admitted sending similarly tainted letters to eight Texas law enforcement officials.

In 2019, she was detained in the state for about 10 weeks for unlawfully carrying a weapon and driving without a valid licence, and she blamed those officials for that detention, according to a US Justice Department.

Ferrier was arrested crossing the border into Buffalo, New York in September 2020. She was carrying a gun, knife and rounds of ammunition.

She later admitted to making the ricin — a poison made from the waste material left over from castor beans processing — at her Quebec home, and placing it into an envelope with the letter.

She had agreed to the sentence in January after pleading guilty to biological weapons charges, reports the BBC.

There is no known antidote to ricin.

Depending on the dose, it can cause death within 36 to 72 hours, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2014, a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending ricin laced letters to then President Barack Obama and other officials.

ALSO READ-Canadian army rescues hundreds amid unprecedented wildfires

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

First woman bus driver from Coimbatore gets car from Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan said in a statement a car has been gifted to Sharmila on behalf of Kamal Panbattu Maiam (Kamal Cutural Centre)…reports Asian Lite News

Tamil superstar and President of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), Kamal Haasan, on Monday gifted a car to Sharmila, the first woman bus driver from Coimbatore, who was reportedly forced to quit her job following an incident involving DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K Stalin’s sister, Kanimozhi, who boarded a bus she was driving.

Sharmila had told the media that she quit her job after the conductor of the bus asked Kanimozhi to buy ticket despite being told by her not to do so. The owner of the bus did not support Sharmila and told her that she had invited Kanimozhi for getting publicity.

Kamal Haasan said in a statement a car has been gifted to Sharmila on behalf of Kamal Panbattu Maiam (Kamal Cutural Centre).  He told mediapersons that he is anguished at the treatment meted out to Sharmila and wants her to become an entrepreneur.

“She worked hard for her dream of becoming a bus driver and had performed the challenging task effectively. She has received appreciation from various quarters,” he said.

Kamal Haasan also said that Sharmila will resume her journey as a rental car driver-cum-entrepreneur, adding that he wants the civil society to stand by women who have been suppressed for years.

 “My best wishes to daughter Sharmila,” Kamal Haasan said.

ALSO READ-Arijit Singh gives romantic spin to ‘Pasoori Nu’

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Business Economy Woman

Why women are underrepresented in high-paying jobs

Wadhwani Foundation salutes the indomitable spirit of women entrepreneurs in India.

The study also finds that men are ‘significantly’ more optimistic than women, making them more willing to take risks…reports Asian Lite News

Women are less willing to take risks than men because they are more sensitive to the pain of any losses they might incur than any gains they might make, new research shows.

The study also finds that men are ‘significantly’ more optimistic than women, making them more willing to take risks.

The findings, published in the British Journal of Psychology, showed that women report a lower willingness to take risks than men with 53 per cent of this gap accounted for by the higher levels of loss aversion among women and a further 3 per cent attributable to the lower levels of financial optimism among women.

“The differences between the sexes in risk taking can explain why women are less likely to be entrepreneurs, are underrepresented in high-paying jobs and upper management, and less likely to invest their wealth in equities markets than men,” said Dr. Chris Dawson, Associate Professor of business economics at the University of Bath’s School of Management.

“Despite these important implications, we still know very little about why women take fewer risks than men

“When thinking about risky choices, people tend to assess the probability of losing something alongside an evaluation of how painful that loss would be. I found that women take less risks than men as they focus more on the possibility of losing and anticipate experiencing more pain from potential losses,” Dr. Dawson said.

This study investigated the joint role of two psychological characteristics to explain the differences — loss aversion, the idea that losses loom larger than gains, and optimism.

To measure loss aversion, Dr. Dawson took data from a survey of 13,575 people to assess how changes in household income from one year to the next predict changes in psychological well-being.

He found that income losses are less painful for men than for women with no difference in the psychological responses to income gains between the sexes.

When asked how they saw themselves financially a year from now with expectations about outcomes under the individual’s control, men were significantly more optimistic than women.

The research indicates that this optimism may be linked to men’s overconfidence about their abilities compared to women which previous studies have highlighted.

If women are both less optimistic about the probability of favourable outcomes occurring and less confident in their abilities than men, they will naturally evaluate a given gamble as being riskier, the research said.

ALSO READ: Narrow revenue NE states flush with Central funds

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Lite Blogs Woman

India’s first all-women Haj flight makes history

The female crew carried out the safety and ground operations before the flight took off and handled the flight dispatch and aircraft maintenance. ..reports Ritika Joshi

The all-women Haj flight departed from Kozhikode, Kerala at 6:45 pm and landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at 10:45 pm. Air India shared images of the smiling all-women flight crew and passengers at the airport.

The Air Indian Express flight IX 3025 had Captain Kanika Mehra and First Officer Garima Passi piloting the flight. They were assisted in the cabin by Sushma Sharma, Bijitha M B, Sreelakshmi, and Subhangi Biswas.

The female crew carried out the safety and ground operations before the flight took off and handled the flight dispatch and aircraft maintenance.

As per Air India, women constitute over 40 percent of the airline’s workforce, and 15 percent of the 1,825 pilots are women, making it the airline with the highest number of female pilots. India also has the highest percent of female pilots in the world at 12.4 percent.

Earlier, the airline made history with its first non-stop flight. The 2021 flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru was flown by four women pilots and was the longest non-stop flight by an Indian airline. The all-women cockpit crew consisted of Captain Zoya Agarwal, Captain Papagari Thanmai, Captain Shivani Manhas, and Captain Akansha Sonaware.

Captain Manhas revealed that the flight almost took 17 hours and Captain Agarwal revealed that the route had saved 10 tonnes of fuel.

In 2020, Captain Zoya Agarwal volunteered to lead rescue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and co-piloted the first rescue flight by Air India. The captain also made history when she piloted the airline’s first Boeing 777 aircraft over the Hindu Kush mountain range.

Captain Zoya Agarwal’s accomplishments made her the first Indian woman to be accepted into the US Aviation Museum. Agarwal is also the only living person to be honoured by the SFO Aviation Museum.

ALSO READ-Indian envoy visits Mecca, inspects Haj arrangements

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-Top News Social Media World News

A woman will head Twitter: Musk

Elon Musk

Earlier on Thursday, Musk said he had selected a chief executive for Twitter but did not disclose her identity….reports Asian Lite News

Elon Musk is in talks to hire Linda Yaccarino, the chair of global advertising and partnerships at NBCUniversal as the chief executive of Twitter, The New York Times reported.

According to the NYT, the people who spoke on condition of anonymity said the talks are now at an advanced stage. They said Yaccarino has been in discussion with Musk for weeks.

Last month, Yaccarino interviewed Musk onstage at an advertising event in Miami.
Earlier on Thursday, Musk said he had selected a chief executive for Twitter but did not disclose her identity.

In a tweet, he wrote, “She will be starting in ~6 weeks!” He added that he would remain involved as executive chair and “CTO,” which typically denotes chief technology officer and that he would still oversee Twitter’s product and software.

According to The New York Times, Musk and Yaccarino did not respond to requests for comment.

The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that Yaccarino was in talks with Musk.

Musk who bought Twitter for USD 44 billion last year will continue to retain a firm grip on the company even if he names a chief executive.

As Twitter’s owner, he has put his stamp on it by eliminating more than 75 per cent of its 7,500 employees, installing his own leaders and changing the service’s features and strategy. He also took Twitter private, which means he does not have to disclose corporate information to the public.

The outgoing CEO recently announced adding another update to Twitter allowing its verified users to have early access to encrypted messaging service.

The update is currently available only for verified users.

Earlier on May 11, Musk shared a tweet updating about the early version of the encrypted messaging being launched. “Early version of encrypted direct messages just launched. Try it, but don’t trust it yet,” his tweet read. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Musk settles defamation suit with Indian-American Sikh