Higher T cell levels in blood predict better cancer outcomes, study finds
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A study released on Tuesday, February 18, suggests that the immune systems of cancer patients may significantly influence their treatment outcomes.
Researchers at University College London and the Francis Crick Institute discovered that cancer patients with a higher number of immune cells in their blood tend to have better survival rates.
The study utilized an innovative technique called Immune Lymphocyte Estimation from Nucleotide Sequencing (ImmuneLENS), which allows researchers to calculate the proportion of T cells and B cells (immune cells) from whole genome sequencing (WGS) data.
The team analyzed over 90,000 WGS samples from both healthy individuals and cancer patients. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, revealed that cancer patients had fewer T cells circulating in their blood compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, a higher proportion of T cells was found to be a strong predictor of cancer outcomes, with patients showing a 47% reduction in death rates over five years after surgery.
This correlation remained significant even when accounting for factors such as age, cancer stage, and cancer type. These results suggest that immune cell proportions could be added to current genetic diagnostic tests, providing clinicians with more detailed information to help guide treatment decisions.
Professor Nicholas McGranahan, the senior author from UCL Cancer Institute, noted that while previous immune system research has mainly focused on the tumor itself, this new tool could enable doctors to predict a cancer patient’s survival more accurately based on T cell counts in the blood rather than just in the tumor.
The study also highlighted that in cancer patients, especially males, the proportion of immune cells in the blood decreases more rapidly.
However, the reasons for this gender difference remain unclear. Additionally, individuals who appeared healthy when their samples were taken but later developed cancer showed lower-than-average levels of B cells, which could indicate undiagnosed early-stage cancer or pre-cancerous changes in the immune system—potentially signaling early signs of disease or contributing to cancer development.
These insights could be valuable for early cancer detection and understanding how patients might respond to treatment, according to the researchers.
(Photo courtesy: IANS)
India and U.S. complement each other in trade, not compete: Piyush Goyal
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Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, emphasized on Tuesday that India and the United States are not competitors but complementary partners, with ongoing discussions aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two nations.
In his virtual address at the NDTV Profit Conclave, Goyal highlighted India’s goal to double trade with the U.S. to $500 billion by 2030, underscoring the strong partnership between the two countries.
“This is a relationship between two friendly nations, trusted partners, and powerful democracies. We do not compete as much as we complement each other” he said.
Goyal also addressed India’s position in global trade negotiations, emphasizing the country’s focus on protecting domestic industries from non-market economies that lack transparent trading practices. He pointed out that India has often resorted to higher tariffs to safeguard its industries from such economies.
Similarly, he noted that the U.S. faces challenges from lower tariffs, which have led to market disruptions due to the influx of goods from these economies. “In a way, the problem of America is the same as India’s…What we are working on is finding a way to resolve this issue for both countries,” he added.
Trade relations between India and the U.S. have already been strengthened through strategic, bilateral, and multilateral engagements, particularly in areas like defence, education, and people-to-people connections.
Apex business chambers have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S. as a milestone in reinforcing India-US trade and investment ties. The visit resulted in tangible outcomes, including enhanced cooperation in defence, terrorism, energy security (including fossil fuels and nuclear power), and trade.
Another significant achievement was the development of a roadmap for accelerating AI infrastructure by the end of the year. Goyal expressed confidence that the target of $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030 is achievable, with the negotiation of a Bilateral Trade Agreement paving the way for new trade and investment opportunities.
(Photo courtesy: IANS)
Tesla expands hiring in India after Modi-Musk meeting
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Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successful visit to the U.S., Elon Musk’s Tesla has accelerated its hiring efforts in India, where the company is expected to enter the market soon.
The increased hiring comes after Musk’s meeting with PM Modi in Washington, DC, last week, where they discussed a range of topics, including space, mobility, technology, and innovation.
Tesla’s LinkedIn page now lists at least 13 open positions, primarily in Mumbai and Delhi, for roles such as business operation analyst, service technician, customer engagement manager, and order operations specialist.
This hiring surge coincides with India’s recent reduction in the basic customs duty on high-end cars priced above $40,000, cutting the duty from 110% to 70%.
While Musk has previously discussed creating a more affordable Tesla model for India, there has been little progress on this front so far.
After their meeting, Musk expressed it was an “honor” to meet PM Modi. PM Modi later shared on X that it was a pleasure to meet Musk’s family and discuss various topics, including India’s efforts toward reform and governance. The two also discussed strengthening collaboration in areas like space exploration, technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.
During the visit, PM Modi presented Musk’s children with books, including The Crescent Moon by Rabindranath Tagore, The Great RK Narayan Collection, and Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma. Photos shared later showed the children reading the books.
Musk, in turn, presented PM Modi with a special gift, believed to be a heat shield tile from SpaceX’s Starship flight test 5 in October 2024, engraved with the words “Starship flight test 5, October 12, 2024.”
(Photo courtesy: x.com/narendramodi)
Indian-origin Srinivas Aluru wins 2025 Charles Babbage Award
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Georgia Tech Regents’ Professor Srinivas Aluru has been named the recipient of the prestigious Charles Babbage Award for 2025. Aluru is being recognized for his groundbreaking research at the intersection of parallel computing and computational biology.
“This is a very well-deserved recognition for Srinivas as he joins the illustrious list of past recipients of the Charles Babbage Award,” said Vivek Sarkar, the John P. Imlay Jr. Dean of the College of Computing.
“Srinivas’ accomplishments reflect positively on himself and all of us at Georgia Tech. This is indeed an occasion to celebrate.”
The IEEE Computer Society annually presents the Babbage Award to individuals who have made significant contributions to parallel computation. Named after Charles Babbage, widely regarded as the “father of the computer,” the award honors those who advance the field of computing. Babbage, alongside Ada Lovelace, is credited with inventing the first mechanical computers in the 19th century, which laid the foundation for more complex systems.
“This award is a recognition of over two and a half decades of research efforts in my group, reflecting not only my work but that of numerous graduate students and collaborators,” said Aluru. “I hope the award draws attention to the importance of parallel methods in computational biology and points key advancements to new entrants in the field.”
Indian-origin Aluru is a pioneer in computational genomics. His work focuses on analyzing the order, structure, function, and evolution of genetic material. Over the course of his career, his lab has developed software and algorithms to study the genomes of various species, ranging from plants and animals to microorganisms.
Genomic datasets, often composed of billions of base pairs, present significant computational challenges. Aluru recognized early on that parallel computing could be a powerful tool to tackle these large-scale datasets. By dividing a problem into smaller tasks, parallelism allows multiple processors to work simultaneously, making it possible to efficiently analyze and transcribe genetic data, ultimately revealing important patterns in the genome.
“Srinivas Aluru’s groundbreaking contributions have profoundly shaped the intersection of parallel processing and bioinformatics. His work is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Yves Robert, awards chair of the IEEE Computer Society Babbage Committee.
“It is a privilege to recognize a researcher whose work will undoubtedly have a lasting impact for generations to come.”
In 2010, Aluru was named an IEEE Fellow, and he recently completed his term as the editor-in-chief of IEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics.
Aluru holds fellowships with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, the IBM Faculty Award, and the Swarnajayanti Fellowship from the Government of India.
In addition to receiving the Babbage Award, Aluru’s leadership skills earned him a recent appointment as senior associate dean of the College of Computing at Georgia Tech.
In 2016, Aluru played a pivotal role in establishing the Institute for Data Engineering and Science (IDEaS) at Georgia Tech, serving as co-executive director. He later became the institute’s sole executive director from 2019 to 2025, before stepping down to accept his new associate dean position. Regents’ Professor C. David Sherrill has since taken on the role of interim executive director.
Aluru joined Georgia Tech in 2013 to be part of the newly formed School of Computational Science and Engineering, established in 2010. He served as interim chair of the school from 2019 to 2020. In 2023, Aluru was appointed as a Regents’ Professor by the University System of Georgia.
He earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 1994. Following this, Aluru held positions at Ames National Laboratory, Syracuse University, and New Mexico State University before returning to his alma mater from 1999 to 2013.
(Photo courtesy: www.cc.gatech.edu)
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi appointed vice chair of Congressional Equality Caucus
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Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has been selected to serve as Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, reinforcing his commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community, an official news release stated.
In this leadership role, Congressman Krishnamoorthi will continue advocating for policies that promote equality, combat discrimination, and ensure that every American — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity — can live freely and authentically.
“Despite the progress we have made, LGBTQ+ Americans continue to face significant barriers to full equality under the law and in their daily lives,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi.
“As a Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus, I am committed to fighting for policies that protect fundamental rights and ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect,” he added.
Throughout his time in Congress, Congressman Krishnamoorthi has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, co-sponsoring the Equality Act and supporting efforts to end workplace discrimination, protect transgender youth, and expand access to critical healthcare services.
His leadership has been instrumental in pushing back against efforts to roll back hard-won civil rights protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
Gyanesh Kumar appointed as new Chief Election Commissioner of India
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The Indian government announced the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Monday, February 17, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, who is set to retire on February 18.
Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, is senior to the other two commissioners on the three-member panel led by Rajiv Kumar.
The other members of the panel are Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, an officer from the Uttarakhand cadre, and Vivek Joshi.
The government also appointed Vivek Joshi as Election Commissioner. Joshi, a former Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner, brings valuable experience to the role.
A three-member selection committee, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on Monday to select Rajiv Kumar’s successor. The committee included PM Modi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
This marks the first appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Act, 2023, which came into effect in December 2023.
Under this provision, Gyanesh Kumar and S.S. Sandhu were appointed as Election Commissioners in March 2024, filling vacancies left by the resignation of Arun Goel and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey.
Rajiv Kumar, who joined the Election Commission of India (ECI) as Election Commissioner on September 1, 2020, assumed the position of Chief Election Commissioner on May 15, 2022. During his 4.5-year tenure, Kumar implemented significant reforms in areas such as structural changes, technology, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration.
He successfully oversaw one full electoral cycle, including elections in 31 States/UTs, the 2022 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and Rajya Sabha renewals, all conducted peacefully with minimal issues.
(Photo courtesy: IANS)
President Trump unveils new trade policy focused on reciprocity and fairness
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U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new trade policy centered on fairness and reciprocity, announcing that the U.S. would implement reciprocal tariffs. This means the US will charge other countries the same tariffs they impose on American goods.
Trump stressed that this approach would target unfair trade practices, including non-monetary barriers, subsidies, and VAT systems. He also encouraged foreign nations to either reduce or eliminate tariffs on U.S. products.
He took to X to share a lengthy post.
“On Trade, I have decided, for purposes of Fairness, that I will charge a RECIPROCAL Tariff meaning, whatever Countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them – No more, no less!” part of President Trump’s post read.
“For purposes of this United States Policy, we will consider Countries that use the VAT System, which is far more punitive than a Tariff, to be similar to that of a Tariff. Sending merchandise, product, or anything by any other name through another Country, for purposes of unfairly harming America, will not be accepted. In addition, we will make provision for subsidies provided by Countries in order to take Economic advantage of the United States.
“Likewise, provisions will be made for Nonmonetary Tariffs and Trade Barriers that some Countries charge in order to keep our product out of their domain or, if they do not even let U.S. businesses operate. We are able to accurately determine the cost of these Nonmonetary Trade Barriers. It is fair to all, no other Country can complain and, in some cases, if a Country feels that the United States would be getting too high a Tariff, all they have to do is reduce or terminate their Tariff against us. There are no Tariffs if you manufacture or build your product in the United States.
“For many years, the U.S. has been treated unfairly by other Countries, both friend and foe. This System will immediately bring Fairness and Prosperity back into the previously complex and unfair System of Trade. America has helped many Countries throughout the years, at great financial cost. It is now time that these Countries remember this, and treat us fairly – A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR AMERICAN WORKERS.
“I have instructed my Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the Treasury, and United States Trade Representative (USTR) to do all work necessary to deliver RECIPROCITY to our System of Trade!” he stated.
(Photo courtesy: x.com/WhiteHouse)
17 passengers injured in Delta Airlines flight crash at Toronto Pearson Airport
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A Delta Airlines flight crashed while attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, February 17, flipping upside down on the snowy runway. As a result, two runways at the airport remain closed for investigation, according to CEO Deborah Flint, as reported by CNN.
Flint confirmed that after the crash, all arrivals and departures from the airport’s three remaining runways were temporarily halted, but by 5 p.m. local time, these runways were reopened. However, the two affected runways will remain closed for the investigation, which is expected to continue “rest of tonight and into the next several days,” Flint added.
The crash resulted in 17 passengers sustaining injuries. Of the 76 passengers on board, 22 were Canadian, with the rest from various other countries. Delta initially reported 18 injured passengers, though no fatalities were confirmed.
In a statement on X, Delta said, “Delta Connection flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air using a CRJ-900 aircraft, was involved in a single-aircraft accident at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) at around 2:15 p.m. ET on Monday. The flight originated from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)”
Delta further stated that 18 passengers were transported to nearby hospitals and emphasized that the priority was to care for those affected. They also activated a Passenger Inquiry Center to assist families and loved ones, offering separate contact numbers for those in Canada and the U.S.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his sympathy, saying, “The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport. I want to express my thanks to the many Delta and Endeavor team members and the first responders on site. We are working to confirm the details and will share the most current information on http://news.delta.com as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, please take care and stay safe.”
The flight carried a total of 80 people, including 76 passengers and 4 crew members.
(Photo courtesy: x.com/ErrolWebber)
Nita Ambani highlights India’s strength in youth and diaspora at Harvard India conference
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Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, delivered the keynote address at the Harvard India Conference on Indian Business, Policy & Culture, emphasizing India’s strengths and opportunities for growth.
She highlighted the nation’s large youth population and its vibrant diaspora as key pillars of strength, along with the country’s potential for growth through the adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, green energy, and genomics.
In her address, Nita Ambani was asked to provide a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) analysis of India. She began by identifying India’s greatest strength: its youth and diaspora. “50% of our population is under the age of 30, and our Indian diaspora. I think that’s our strength,” she said.
Addressing the country’s weaknesses, she noted the significant challenge of improving the lives of the 200-300 million people at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. “I think the 200 or 300 million people whose life we need to change for lying at the bottom and I think that should be our priority and we should be able to sort this out in the next decade,” she added.
On the opportunities front, Ambani emphasized the importance of scaling up technology adoption across India. She said whether it’s artificial intelligence, green energy, or genomics, India has the potential to lead in these fields.
In discussing threats, Ambani reflected on the broader context of global peace, stating, “I speak as a mother here. I think we need peace. We need peace in the world. Only when there is peace will countries grow and prosper, and so that holds true for even India. So I think I think wars do no good. And I would think that is a threat.”
She also shared a personal anecdote from her early years of marriage. She recalled purchasing a gold chain, which she had to return after her husband, Mukesh Ambani, reminded her that the company was facing difficult times. “I bought this gold chain and brought it home. And show it to Mukesh. Mush looked at me and said, Nita, I don’t think we can afford it. Reliance is going through really tough times. And we need to pay all our employees first. So It would be nice if you can return this gold chain…I did that without questioning Mukesh. And I told him, I’m sure good times will come, and you will turn around the situation, and he did.”
Nita Ambani reflected on this experience as a valuable lesson, saying, “Adversity should make you a better person and not a bitter person.” She described it as a pivotal learning moment in her life.
(Photo courtesy: Screengrab from X)
Police reaffirm OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji killed himself
By Ritu Jha-
OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji committed suicide, the San Francisco Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reaffirmed in their final report February 14.
In the signed report covering of the investigation and toxicology studies, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Executive Director, David Serrano Sewell, reiterated their view that Suchir Balaji’s case is not a homicide but a suicide, The family, though, is adamant that he was murdered.
Balaji, 26, a former OpenAI employee and whistleblower, was found dead in his apartment in San Francisco. Suchir was 26. He was the potential witness in the lawsuit filed by The New York Times against OpenAI in a copyright infringement case. Balaji, who was an AI researcher at OpenAI for four years from 2020, worked on post-training (chatGPT), reasoning (o1), pretraining (gpt-4), and RL (webgpt) until he resigned. He quit claiming he was disillusioned by OpenAI’s business practices.
“If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” he told The New York Times.
The investigation report was addressed to attorneys Kevin J. Rooney and Philip J. Kearney (a former attorney of the family), and Dr. Joseph Cohen, a forensic pathologist hired by Balaji’s family to do a private autopsy.
It stated that Balaji died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, resulting from a short fired from the front to back in a downward trajectory. He was found dead on the bathroom floor. Investigators say Balaji was standing directly before the bathroom mirror when he shot himself.
Bathroom where Balaji was found dead
On November 27, 2024, the OCME forensic pathologist examined the body, reviewed CT imaging and performed postmortem toxicology testing, which established the presence of alcohol and amphetamine in the decedent’s blood. It is not clear if the amphetamine came from the prescribed Adderall, which does contain isomers of amphetamine. There was a wine bottle in his refrigerator and a wine glass in the sink.
The door of the fourth-floor apartment had the deadbolt engaged from within with no sign of forced entry, and the windows were set not to open beyond four inches. There were no accessible points of entry.
Balaji’s last search history included terms such as “total gray matter volume” and “white matter.” There were unrelated injuries or bruising seen.
Bajali had bought and registered the Glock pistol found at the scene, While the SFPD report says he bought it in January 2023, the OCME reports put the date at January 4, 2024.
Balaji’s mother Poornima Ramarao had told indica earlier she was not aware of him buying the gun and that he had never mentioned it. The video indica received from his mother shows blood near the bathroom door and droplets on the sink and the floor beneath it. The home was untidy and in disarray. His mother claims it was ransacked.
According to the police report, a video showed Bajali leave the elevator and go out, and shortly thereafter return with what appeared to be food to his apartment on Buchanan Street in San Francisco. There was an open and empty food box with a spoon on one of the tables.
Ramarao told indica they appreciate the work done, but added, “We believe the investigation is far from complete. They have not done a full autopsy. There was a hair found under the bathroom door. That was critical evidence they left out.”
[With Ramarao’s permission we are publishing a possibly disturbing video and screenshot of Suchir Balaji. Viewer discretion is advised,)
Sanjeev Sanyal criticizes USAID’s influence on India’s healthcare and social policies
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Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), raised concerns on Monday about USAID’s influence not only in Indian elections but also within the country’s healthcare system and social policies.
In a post on the X platform, Sanyal pointed out that USAID effectively ran India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS) from the 1990s until it was halted two years ago.
Sanyal emphasized that the NFHS is one of the most crucial datasets in India, playing a key role in shaping national health policy. He argued that allowing a foreign agency to manage and design these surveys, as well as direct their analysis, effectively enabled USAID to influence India’s health policy and responses.
The economist also criticized the design of the NFHS questionnaire, particularly noting the discrepancy in the length and focus between the sections for men and women. While the men’s section is only 29 pages long, the women’s section stretches to 94 pages. Sanyal claimed that many of the additional questions were carefully worded to support a narrative of domestic violence against Indian women, describing it as a “sly” attempt to influence public perception.
Sanyal, along with the late Bibek Debroy, had previously pushed back against these concerns, including through public columns. He expressed relief that the Government of India (GoI) had intervened, noting that the latest NFHS is now being conducted independently by the Health Ministry.
In a separate post, Sanyal also highlighted a recent statement from the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, which revealed the cancellation of several international funding projects, including a $21 million initiative aimed at boosting voter turnout in India. Sanyal questioned the recipients of this funding and criticized USAID, calling it “the biggest scam in human history”.
Sanyal’s remarks reflect growing concerns about foreign influence on India’s policy and governance, extending beyond elections into critical areas like healthcare and social issues.
(Photo courtesy: x.com/sanjeevsanyal)
Study links prenatal paracetamol exposure to increased ADHD risk in children
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A recent study suggests that children, particularly girls, born to mothers who used acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy may face a higher risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by age 10.
Published in Nature Mental Health, the research found that children whose mothers had biomarkers of acetaminophen in their plasma were 3.15 times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis.
The link was found to be stronger in females than in males. Girls exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy were 6.16 times more likely to develop ADHD, while the association in boys was weaker and not statistically significant.
Acetaminophen is commonly used during pregnancy, with an estimated 70% of pregnant individuals in the US, Europe, and Asia using it. While the medication is generally considered low-risk by regulatory bodies such as the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency, increasing evidence suggests it may contribute to neurodevelopmental issues like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
For this study, researchers from the University of Washington analyzed plasma biomarkers of acetaminophen exposure in 307 African American mother-child pairs. They found that the presence of acetaminophen biomarkers in maternal blood samples taken during the second trimester was linked to a higher likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis in the child by ages 8-10. Specifically, acetaminophen metabolites were detected in 20.2% of the maternal plasma samples.
Gene expression analysis of a subset of 174 participants revealed sex-specific changes in the placenta. In females, acetaminophen exposure was associated with increased expression of immune-related genes, particularly the immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 1 (IGHG1) gene.
Elevated levels of IGHG1 were statistically linked to ADHD diagnoses. Mediation analysis suggested that the gene’s placental expression played a role in acetaminophen’s effect on the development of ADHD.
These findings align with previous epidemiological studies and animal research, which have connected prenatal acetaminophen exposure to neurodevelopmental disruptions. The study stands out by using objective biomarker measurements rather than relying on self-reported data, addressing potential bias in earlier research. However, the researchers call for further studies to explore these findings.
(Photo courtesy: Unsplash)
NYU Stern’s professor Srikanth Jagabathula receives NSF award for research
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Professor Srikanth Jagabathula, a faculty member at the NYU Stern School of Business, has been honored with the prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
As part of this esteemed award, Jagabathula, an IIT Bombay alumnus, will receive USD 500,000 over the next five years to advance his research on data-driven modeling and learning techniques aimed at improving the accuracy of operational decision-making.
The NSF’s CAREER Program is one of its most competitive and prestigious initiatives, designed to support junior faculty members who demonstrate excellence in both research and education while integrating both within the mission of their institutions.
Jagabathula’s research focuses on developing accessible techniques for making better managerial decisions across various areas, such as product design, pricing, and inventory management. Traditional methods typically involve selecting and fitting models to data or efficiently solving decision problems using pre-existing models, often leaving the selection of the model to an expert.
However, these approaches do not scale well for modern retail settings, which feature complex and varied demand patterns, diverse products, and multiple types of data such as purchase transactions, click-streams, browsing behavior, and product dwell times.
Instead, Jagabathula’s research aims to combine machine learning, statistics, and operations research to create a new method that starts with a specific type of data (e.g., purchase transactions, marketing surveys, or insurance policy choices) and ends with actionable operational decisions. This integrated approach will allow businesses to automatically select and apply the most suitable model for their data and decision-making needs, offering a more efficient and scalable solution.
(Photo courtesy: www.stern.nyu.edu)
Women-led startup NamRiitz LLC launches on Presidents Day with a mission for social impact
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NamRiitz LLC, a dynamic and purpose-driven women-led startup, announced its official launch on Presidents Day, February 17, 2025.
With a mission to redefine the future of work, NamRiitz offers innovative talent, outsourcing, and consulting solutions while embedding a strong commitment to social impact, dedicating 30% of its profits to initiatives focused on child and women empowerment.
Founded by Namita Sahu and Rita Rout, NamRiitz is set to challenge traditional work models by bridging talent gaps, fostering inclusive growth, and leveraging technology to create efficient and impactful workforce solutions.
NamRiitz LLC is seeking to be more than a business. By aligning its expertise in human resources, consulting, and outsourcing, the company seeks to create sustainable growth for both organizations and individuals.
“In today’s fast-evolving world, work should not just be about productivity but also about empowerment and impact. At NamRiitz, we are merging innovation with compassion, ensuring that every success story contributes to a larger social good,” said Namita Sahu, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of NamRiitz LLC.
“We believe in the power of partnerships and purpose. NamRiitz is not just redefining work models, it’s creating opportunities for businesses to thrive while uplifting communities. Our 30% profit commitment to child and women empowerment is a testament to our values,” added Rita Rout, Co-Founder & Co-CEO.
The decision to launch on Presidents Day is symbolic of NamRiitz’s vision for leadership, transformation, and a better future. With an unwavering focus on people-centric business solutions, the company aims to drive change in both corporate and social landscapes.
Deported from U.S., 2 Punjab men arrested in connection with 2023 murder
iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Amidst ongoing political protests led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, two cousins from Patiala district, Sandeep Singh and Pradeep Singh, were arrested in connection with a murder case shortly after being deported by the United States.
The two men were among the 116 individuals on the second batch of deportees who arrived in a C-17 aircraft at Amritsar Airport late on Saturday night.
According to police sources, Sandeep and Pradeep were wanted in connection with a murder case registered in Rajpura in June 2023. During the investigation, Pradeep’s name was added to the case as an accomplice of Sandeep.
The cousins were arrested as soon as they landed at the airport.
The family of the deported men expressed shock upon learning of their arrest. “Since January 28, there had been communication with them. It was only on Saturday morning that we came to know that they had been deported. We are stunned,” said Sukhjeet Kaur, a relative.
The family is now grappling with a severe financial crisis. They had spent a total of Rs 90 lakh ($103,753) to send Sandeep and Pradeep to the U.S. through the illegal “dunki” route.
“We paid the money to Daler Singh, a travel agent, from Gurdaspur. We haven’t talked to the agent yet. Sandeep had sold his two acres of land while Pradeep sold one-acre land and his car apart from borrowing money from a private lender,” Sukhjeet Kaur explained.
The two cousins are among the illegal immigrants deported from the US, as part of a broader effort to repatriate individuals living in the country without proper documentation. The first batch of 104 deportees had arrived at Amritsar Airport on February 5.
US-India Strategic Partnership Forum hails substantive outcomes of Modi-Trump meeting
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The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump for the substantive outcomes achieved during their first meeting after Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The USISPF emphasized that the meeting reinforced the strength of the partnership between the two nations.
In a statement, the USISPF noted, “The meeting reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-India partnership, grounded in shared democratic values, deepening economic collaboration, and a commitment to regional and global security in securing a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
As the U.S.-India relationship enters its 25th year in the new century, the outlook remains optimistic, marked by growing strategic ties and shared aspirations for global stability and prosperity, the statement continued.
The USISPF also pointed out that Prime Minister Modi was the fourth world leader President Trump met within his first month in office, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship.
Modi’s two-day visit to the U.S., at Trump’s invitation, was brief but productive, yielding tangible outcomes. The leaders reaffirmed the enduring strategic and economic partnership between the U.S. and India, covering areas such as defense, trade, energy, counterterrorism, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
A key outcome highlighted by USISPF was the commitment by both nations to negotiate the first tranche of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by Fall 2025. Additionally, the leaders announced “Mission 500,” an ambitious initiative aimed at increasing US-India bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.
“The agreement will adopt a broad-based approach, including both goods and services, marking a shift toward a more balanced trade partnership. The US and India will focus on reducing trade barriers to enhance predictability for businesses,” the USISPF explained. The focus will be on reducing trade barriers, improving predictability for businesses, and fostering a rules-based framework under the COMPACT initiative to promote transparency and stability.
The USISPF also welcomed the leaders’ recognition of India’s tariff reductions on products like bourbon, motorcycles, ICT items, and metals, along with increased US agricultural exports such as alfalfa hay and duck meat. India’s acknowledgment of U.S. efforts to facilitate mango and pomegranate exports was also seen as a positive step toward mutual concessions.
Defense collaboration was another significant focus. Both leaders introduced the “U.S.-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnerships and Cooperation in Advanced Technologies), aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and driving technological innovation.
U.S. President Trump also announced plans to increase military sales to India, which include F-35 fighter jets, C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, and AH-64E Apaches, as well as Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones.
Discussions also covered new procurement and co-production agreements for Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, along with the acquisition of six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
In addition, PM Modi and President Trump reiterated their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through the Quad, I2U2, and IMEC, focusing on building resilient supply chains for strategic minerals. The launch of a new Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative aims to enhance the recovery and processing of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
Energy security also emerged as a key pillar of the strengthened partnership, with the USISPF anticipating progress on the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement. This includes plans to develop advanced small modular reactors in India, which will support technology transfer and localization efforts.
One of the most significant outcomes was the U.S. approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The USISPF hailed this as a major victory in the fight against terrorism, underscoring the joint commitment to counterterrorism cooperation.
Furthermore, the two leaders committed to enhancing people-to-people ties through educational exchanges, promoting tourism, and addressing issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking across borders.
Looking ahead, the USISPF noted that 2025 will be a landmark year for U.S.-India relations, with India set to host the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit. PM Modi also extended an invitation to President Trump to visit India. Both leaders expressed confidence in finding mutually beneficial solutions to support long-term economic growth and deepen the strategic partnership.
PM Modi’s visit to the White House on Thursday, where he was warmly welcomed by President Trump with a hug, underscored the close personal and diplomatic ties between the two leaders. Modi’s visit within three weeks of Trump’s inauguration highlights the importance of this bilateral relationship in the early days of the new U.S. administration.
Third batch of Indian nationals deported from the U.S. arrives at Amritsar airport
iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The third batch of Indian nationals, who are believed to have illegally migrated to the United States, arrived at Amritsar Airport on Sunday. This group of returnees landed just one day after the second batch touched down in the same city.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the US government’s decision to use military aircraft for repatriation. He voiced his dissatisfaction in an interview with ANI, stating, “I am not happy about the Americans choosing to send a military aircraft.”
Tharoor further questioned whether the returnees had been subjected to handcuffs or shackles during their deportation, emphasizing that if so, India should protest.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reassured the public that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure the proper treatment of the deportees. In a press conference on Saturday, Mann said the returnees would stay in Amritsar for a few hours before being sent to their respective states. “Our kids are the ones which are coming here anyway, so from here no one can go hungry, we will make arrangements,” he said. The Ministry of External Affairs had already made travel arrangements for their onward journey.
This marks the third flight of deportees to land in Amritsar since the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The first batch arrived on February 5.
Earlier on Thursday, during a visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s willingness to repatriate its nationals living illegally in the U.S.
He underscored the importance of dismantling the “ecosystem” of human trafficking.
“Those who stay in other countries illegally do not have any legal right to be there. As far as India and the US are concerned, we have always said that those who are verified and are truly the citizens of India – if they live in the US illegally, India is ready to take them back,” Modi stated during a joint press conference with President Trump, expressing confidence that the U.S. would fully cooperate in addressing this issue.
(Photo courtesy: x.com/siddharthpandy)
U.S. deports 231 Indian illegal immigrants in 2 batches on Feb 15, 16
iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The second and third batches, consisting of 231 illegal immigrants from the U.S., landed at the Amritsar airport in India on February 15 and 16. The third batch arrived in a U.S. military aircraft carrying 112 Indians at the Amritsar airport at 10:03 p.m. on Sunday. Of the 112 deportees, 44 are from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, 31 from Punjab, two from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
On Saturday night, February 15, the second batch of 119 illegal immigrants from the U.S., comprising 67 Punjabis, landed at Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in a special plane. Saturday’s flight also had 33 people from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The first batch of deportees landed at the same airport with 104 deportees on February 5.
These deportations are part of a wider crackdown by U.S. immigration authorities on those who either entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas. Sources have revealed that deportations will continue on a bi-weekly basis, with similar flights bringing back Indian nationals in the coming weeks, until all undocumented immigrants are returned to their home countries.
The Indian government, through diplomatic channels, continues to work on repatriating its nationals affected by such deportations.
While the process has caused distress for many families, the authorities insist that the deportations are part of the ongoing effort to address illegal immigration, and those who wish to return home will be facilitated.
With the ongoing crackdown, both the U.S. and India are taking steps to address immigration challenges while ensuring their respective laws are upheld.
This deportation comes just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met U.S. President Donald Trump and stressed the need to fight against the “ecosystem” that lures people from ordinary families with big dreams and promises and brings them to other countries as illegal immigrants.
“We are of the opinion that anybody who enters and lives in another country illegally, they have absolutely no legal right or authority to live in that country,” PM Modi said at a joint press conference with Trump in the White House on Thursday.
Opposing the move to land the next plane carrying deported Indians at the Amritsar airport, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday described it as a “conspiracy of the Union government to defame Punjab and Punjabis”.
The Chief Minister protested that despite Punjab being the food bowl and sword arm of India, the move to land the plane carrying deported Indians from the U.S. “is just another attempt of the Government of India to tarnish the image of Punjab globally”.
Mann questioned the move of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to choose Amritsar for landing this plane whereas there are hundreds of other airports in the country. The Chief Minister said he has already raised this issue with the MEA and the Ministry of Home Affairs but hasn’t received any positive response from them.
He said that one plane had landed a few days back and now two more planes are being landed without any proper justification. The Chief Minister said, “It is the moral responsibility of the MEA to explain why Punjab, especially Amritsar, has been chosen for this landing”.
He said even though a hostile neighbor is 40 km away from Amritsar, an Army plane of the U.S. is being landed there.
Anil Swarup column: Ignoble ‘Ghar Wapsi’?
By Anil Swarup-
(Anil Swarup is a former Education Secretary and Coal Secretary in the Government of India. He is also a renowned author. The views expressed in this article are his own.)
The sight of Indians being repatriated from the USA to India in shackles, to say the least, was shocking. It puts us all to shame. It raises a large number of questions that beg for answers. However, to begin with, it needs to be admitted that those persons who were repatriated were wrong but let us look at more fundamental issues.
Why are so many people enticed to look for opportunities elsewhere when we are apparently filled with so much ‘josh” for our country? It is difficult to objectively assess how patriotic we are but we are arguably the loudest when it comes to decibels.
For some, it could be a financial necessity. There is nothing wrong in looking for greener pastures but why pursue an illegitimate path? Is the situation so desperate? Why aren’t we able to create opportunities within the country?
Ironically, majority of those who were repatriated recently were from Punjab and Gujarat that are considered more prosperous than the other states. The real cause for concern is the large number of prosperous people, some in powerful positions as well, choosing to send their children not only to study abroad but to settle there and acquire foreign citizenship. In fact, there are instances of such well-off people finding innovative ways to beat the law to acquire US citizenship for their children. And, the irony is that such persons claim to be die-hard nationalists. Why do the children of those who profess to be nationalists choose citizenship of an alien country? This is sheer hypocrisy. But then, who will raise such an issue and, even if it is raised, they have nothing to worry about? What they are doing is not illegal and they aren’t bothered about ethics because no one else is bothered about it.
Let us now come to the treatment meted out to those who were repatriated and the response of the Indian Government. I had posted the following on the social media:
“Every country has a right to deport those that have entered their territory illegally but:
Should those who are deported be shackled?
There were deportees in the past from the USA and other countries to India. Were these deportees shackled at the time of deportation in the past?
Were all the deportees from the USA this year to other countries shackled”
In fact, I should have added a couple more questions:
Are there no illegal immigrants from China? Will they also be deported?
When illegal Chinese immigrants are deported, will they also be shackled?
We can discuss China subsequently when that happens but now the issues relate to the deportation and how the entire exercise was conducted.
We were informed in the Parliament that standard operating procedure (SoP) has been followed while deporting Indians. It is the sovereign right of a country to evolve its own SoP but there have been so many instances in the past where not only were SoPs relaxed, even laws have been relaxed through diplomatic interventions. There have been recent incidents which even those who were facing the death penalty were granted clemency as a consequence of the diplomatic intervention. Yes, those that were deported were in the wrong but were they bigger criminals than those that were charged with murder or other heinous crimes? Was an effort made to ensure that they were not treated as hardened criminals?
It was also mentioned in the Parliament that there has been deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the USA in the past as well. Were all these illegal immigrants shackled when they were deported in the past? Or, is it the first instance? If yes, then why? And, we are informed that Columbia did not allow the American army plane carrying deported Columbian immigrants to land on its soil and sent its own plane to get such immigrants back.
There are unconfirmed reports that not all the illegal immigrants who were deported recently from the USA were shackled. If this is true, why was this discrimination against a nation that is now assuming a leadership role amongst the comity of nations and vying for a permanent seat in the Security Council?
There will be and there should be many more questions asked as some nations are choosing to throw their weight around. They are already being seen as bullies reminiscent of what happened during the first half of the last century. However, unlike that period, India is an important player now. It can’t and shouldn’t be seen at the receiving end. However, to do that, those who are prosperous and those in powerful positions will have to stop getting enticed by the West. They can perhaps afford do that but it is a million-dollar (Rupee?) question whether they will do that. The chances are remote because many of those that are in-charge of our future believe that their future lies elsewhere.
Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS, Pilani on Higher Education in India
By Prakash Narayan-
The Vice Chancellor of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean of Alumni Relations, and Sachin Arya, Head of Entrepreneurial Initiative at BITS, Pilani visited the Bay Area on Saturday, Feb 8.
Prof. Rao at a fireside chat moderated by Esha Kurwa shared insights on challenges in Indian universities, the role of industry-academia collaboration, and his vision for higher education reforms at an event held at the FalconX Incubator and Accelerator in Milpitas, California.
Prof. Rao has had an illustrious career in academia. He has over 500 publications in peer-reviewed journals and over 50 patents in Electron devices (instruments that use electrical circuits to perform tasks) and nanoelectronics. He has also received over 35 honors and awards, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and Infosys Prize. He is a fellow of the IEEE and several other prestigious organizations, including the Indian National Science Academy.
Prof. Rao began his talk by speaking of the inverted model of funding received by BITS, Pilani (it should be noted that “BITS, Pilani” refers to a group of institutions in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Goa, and Dubai under the umbrella of BITS, Pilani) in comparison to universities in the US. BITS, Pilani receives 90% of its funds from tuition, 5% from sponsored research, and 3% from Endowments. Stanford University, on the other hand, receives 13% from tuition, 34% from sponsored research, and 26% from Endowments. Upon recognizing this disparity, Prof. Rao set an ambitious goal of raising $100m in endowments. Of this, $23m has been raised so far from BITS Alumni, including Prem Jain (who was in the audience). While contributing, Prem Jain said, “This contribution is about fueling the engine of progress at BITS Pilani. We need to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their visions into reality.”
Next, Prof. Rao spoke of the state of research in India. He lamented on the lack of industry participation in academic research in India. While India spends 0.6% of GDP on R&D, the US spends 3.4% of GDP on R&D. The difference is a contribution from the Industry. Research funding needs to be directed towards solving real-world problems. With the industry funding the research, the academicians look to generate value for the research. In the Global Innovation Index which ranked 132 countries around the world, India ranked 54th in gross expenditure on R&D as a percentage of GDP, 66th for university-industry R&D collaborations, and 81st in the number of full-time researchers per million population. In contrast, the US ranks 3rd in gross expenditure on R&D as a percentage of GDP, 2nd for university-industry R&D collaborations, and 24th in the number of full-time researchers per million population. In India, the low government spending for research and the poor academia-industry connection pose challenges to diversifying research beyond the IT sector and venture into deep-technology areas.
He provided the analogy of the Morrill Act of 1862 (also known as the Land Grant College Act). This Act gave each state 30,000 acres of land to provide higher education to the public. This act laid the foundation for a national system of state colleges and universities. It helped the U.S. become a leader in technical education. Prof. Rao expressed hope in the National Education Policy of 2020. He called this India’s “Morrill moment.” This policy aims to increase the state expenditure on education from 3% to 6% of GDP. He is hopeful that over time, this policy will lead to widespread improvements at the grassroots level.
He expressed optimism in the model created by BITS Pilani with its Practice School system – where students get the opportunity to work on live projects under the supervision of Industry experts, and faculty members of BITS. This has created a network of over 600 industries with BITS. This provides a foundation for exploring industry-sponsored research.
Overall, the audience of BITS Alumni and a few other luminaries, including Kanwal Rekhi and BV Jagadeesh, were enthralled by the discussion and the thoughts shared by Prof. Rao.
Growing popularity of GLP-1 agonists and does microdosing work
Dr. Manoj Sharma-
Dr. Manoj Sharma
[Dr. Manoj Sharma is a Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Health and an Adjunct Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. He is a global health promotion expert and president of Health for All, Inc.]
The newer class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic®) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) are gaining popularity all over the world. It is reported that already 2-3% of Americans are taking these drugs. J.P. Morgan Research projects that by 2030, approximately 30 million people, or 9% of the U.S. population may be taking GLP-1 agonists.
The popularity is due to their remarkable effect on weight loss, ability to manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, and management of obstructive sleep apnea. The ease of taking once-a-week subcutaneous injections is also helping with popularity. These newer drugs are also sometimes called “nutrient-stimulated hormone-based therapies.” These are typically used for diabetes but have become popular as anti-obesity drugs as besides stimulating insulin secretion (which is needed for diabetes) they delay the emptying of the stomach. Tirzepatide is a much more advanced and potent drug as it is both a GLP-1 receptor agonist and a gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor.
A recent research article published in the journal, Nature Medicine, showed that these GLP-1 agonists may have potential risk reduction effects on substance use disorders, suicidal ideation, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, clotting disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and liver diseases. However, more research is needed to establish these assertions.
These drugs also have side effects. The more common ones are nausea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, decreased appetite, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, and gastroparesis (slow movement of food in the stomach).
Other side effects include allergic reactions, low blood sugar, fainting, low blood pressure, sleep problems, gall bladder problems, headaches, kidney stones, kidney inflammation, and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
A recent article in the journal, JAMA Ophthalmology, also raised concerns reporting eye complications though very rare such as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) leading to blindness. For those using it for weight loss, it has been seen that after stopping these medications the weight is regained.
These drugs are very expensive and a month’s supply without insurance can cost as much as $700 to $1,400 in the U.S. market. Further, there is an acute shortage of these drugs due to growing demands. As a result, microdosing or giving low doses has gained currency on some websites and is being practiced by some providers. This is a new and controversial practice that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The chief advantages being touted by those in favor of this practice, besides low cost, are reduced side effects and usefulness in maintaining weight after reduction. The downsides of microdosing are its unknown effectiveness, sometimes increased risk of side effects because of non-monitoring, the potential for overdose due to overconsumption, and no guarantee of quality.
Further, a recent research letter published in JAMA Health Forum found that compounded medications (that use microdoses of GLP-1 agonists along with other “inactive” ingredients) advertised on websites are often untruthful, misleading, and inaccurate. Almost 11% of consumers take these compounded GLP-1 agonists. So, it is very important not to fall prey to advertisements and go through one’s primary care provider or a provider referred to by them to take these and ask for FDA-approved products. Education about those planning to take these drugs is very important.
15 killed in stampede caused by Mahakumbh rush at New Delhi Railway Station
iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
At least 15 people died in a stampede at the New Delhi railway station after a massive crowd of passengers rushed to catch trains to Prayagraj on Saturday, January 15, night.
A senior official from the LNJP Hospital said that 15 persons died in the incident that took place at 8 p.m. on platforms 14 and 15 of the railway station where passengers were waiting to board trains to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela. Four fire engines were rushed to the spot for rescue operations and additional security personnel have been deployed to control the situation at the New Delhi Railway Station.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. Modi posted on X, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede.”
Executive Director of Information & Publicity (ED/IP), Railway Board, Dilip Kumar, stated that the railway station witnessed an unusually high number of passengers on Saturday, prompting authorities to run four additional special trains. “We received information that a few people fainted – they have been admitted to a local hospital,” he said.
In response to the incident, authorities temporarily restricted entry to the railway station to control the crowd. “A two-member high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The situation is now under control, and passengers have been accommodated on special trains. Train operations at the station are normal,” Kumar added.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the incident occurred when a large number of passengers gathered on platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Additionally, delays in the departures of Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani led to further congestion at platforms 12, 13, and 14.
Reports indicate that around 1,500 general tickets were sold, leading to an overwhelming crowd. The situation worsened near platform no. 14 and the escalator at platform no. 1.
DCP Malhotra added, “Two trains were delayed, and due to the increased footfall, the crowd became massive. A few people sustained injuries. As of now, the situation is under control. The sudden rush occurred within a span of 15-20 minutes after a special train was announced, prompting passengers to scramble to board it.”
Special trains being operated by the Railways for the Mahakumbh have been witnessing a massive rush as the festival is scheduled to end on February 26. Earlier this week, some passengers at a railway station in Bihar broke the glass windows of a train after they failed to board the train. Similar episodes have also been reported from other railway stations in Bihar.
An inquiry has been ordered into the incident by the railway ministry. Amid all the chaos, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on social media a while ago that the situation was under control. “Situation under control at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). Delhi Police and RPF (railway police force) reached. Injured and taken to hospital. Special trains being run to evacuate sudden rush,” the Minister had posted on X. “High-level inquiry ordered. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident.”
Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena wrote: “There has been an unfortunate and tragic incident of loss of lives and injuries due to disorder and stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragedy. Have spoken to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner and asked them to address and redress the situation.”
“CS has been asked to invoke DDMA (disaster management) measures and deploy relief personnel. All hospitals are in readiness. Have instructed CS and CP to be at the site and take control of relief measures. I am constantly monitoring operations,” he added.
The Northern Railway, in a post on X, wrote: “Heavy rush at New Delhi Station is under control. Delhi police and RPF reached. The injured have been taken to hospital. Special trains are being run to evacuate sudden rush.”
Expert: India-U.S. Talks May Lead to Tariff Concessions if India Buys More Weapons
By Ritu Jha-
President Donald Trump may offer tariff concessions to India if Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees to increase defense purchases from the United States, according to Sumit Ganguly, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and director of its Huntington Program on Strengthening U.S.-India Relations.
Sumit Ganguly
Modi met with Trump at the White House, where they held a joint press conference in the Oval Office. The two leaders emphasized their long-standing relationship, with Trump calling Modi a “friend” and a “great leader.” Modi, appearing composed, responded, “One thing that I deeply appreciate and learn from President Trump is that he keeps the national interest supreme… And like him, I also keep the national interest of India at the top of everything else.”
Trump, who has been vocal about trade imbalances, recently signed a reciprocal tax policy, stating that “a friend is not spared.” He previously called India an abuser in tariff practices and criticized the difficulty of doing business in the country.
Upon arriving in Washington on Feb. 12, Modi met newly appointed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard at Blair House, where he is staying. The following day, he met with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Indian American businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
“He wants India to buy more defense equipment. He wants more concessions from Modi on tariffs,” Ganguly said.
Ganguly noted that it remains unclear what agreements have been reached and said further details may emerge by the evening of Feb. 13. He speculated that Musk likely discussed Starlink’s entry into India’s satellite market with Modi.
“He’s using his position to enrich himself, and Trump is happy to go along with it,” Ganguly said, adding that Musk would face competition from India’s Reliance Industries.
Ganguly also highlighted Trump’s push to weaken the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a move that could benefit Indian businessman Gautam Adani, who has been accused of securities fraud in the U.S.
“Adani would be very happy to see this uncertainty that’s hanging over his head removed,” he said.
On the likelihood of Trump easing his tariff stance if India commits to purchasing more U.S. defense equipment, Ganguly said, “Trump is completely transactional. It hardly surprises me that if he can get some benefit somewhere, he’ll make concessions.”
Regarding whether Trump will pressure India to reduce its energy imports from Russia, Ganguly said, “One would be shocked if we didn’t expect that from Trump. It will be tough for Modi and his team, as it’s going to be for many other countries in the world, not just India. Trump is essentially upending years of American foreign policy.”
He suggested India’s stance on buying Russian gas could shift, given Trump’s unpredictable approach toward Russia.
“We don’t quite know how Trump is going to approach Russia, though we have some indication based on his recent conversation with Putin,” he said.
Ganguly also suggested that Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar might adopt a more conciliatory stance toward Trump than he did with President Joe Biden.
“He knew he could get away with dismissing Biden, but it’s going to be much more difficult with Trump,” he said.
Ganguly predicted that the broader U.S.-India relationship would remain strong but emphasized Trump’s unpredictability.
“In the first term, the relationship turned out to be good in the end, but this term is different because Trump feels much more emboldened. He has planned for this moment with much greater care and consequently feels he can extract concessions from every country he deals with.”
Asked about Gabbard’s potential role in U.S.-India relations, Ganguly was uncertain.
“Tulsi Gabbard is an enigma to me. She started as a Democrat, then became a Trump Republican. She does not have a significant track record in intelligence, so we’ll have to wait and see. She may have a soft corner for India, but ultimately, she will do whatever Trump tells her.”
Modi-Trump Summit: Trade Talks, Tariff Tensions, and a $500 Billion Bilateral Vision
By Ritu Jha-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Washington after Donald Trump began his second term in the White House was a subdued, business-first affair. While India and the U.S. agreed to negotiate a bilateral trade deal expected to reach $500 billion by 2030, Trump also highlighted increased defense sales to India, including F-35 jets, and oil and gas exports to narrow the trade deficit between the two nations.
Karl Mehta
Karl Mehta, chairman emeritus of the Quad Investors Network, spoke to indica about expectations from the high-level meetings between “friends” Trump and Modi.
“The good thing is that the president alluded to a trade agreement because he spoke about a goal to have a trade agreement. So, they’re going to work on it. That means there’ll be negotiations against whatever reciprocity they are asking for in each trade category. It’s going to be tough for India; it will not be an easy negotiation,” Mehta said. “The downside of the Modi-Trump meeting is that there were no specifics given. It was a more high-level meeting.”
Asked whether Modi appeared somber and more conscious than usual during his meeting with Trump, Mehta, who was in Washington, D.C., said, “He was very calm, it was obvious. I think President Trump pressed some hard buttons on trade in his usual style.”
Mehta called Trump a strong negotiator who was direct in criticizing India for its high tariffs. He pointed out that Trump specifically cited car tariffs, making it difficult for American automakers to sell vehicles in India.
According to the White House fact sheet released Feb. 13, the U.S. average applied Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff on agricultural goods is 5%, while India’s average applied MFN tariff is 39%. India also charges a 100% tariff on U.S. motorcycles, while the U.S. levies only a 2.4% tariff on Indian motorcycles.
“On trade, I think being very open and directly criticizing India for its tariff and asking for reciprocity may have put Prime Minister Modi under pressure,” Mehta said. “And I think that was visible on his face. There were no specifics negotiated by the time of this meeting, so they had nothing to announce. But the upshot is that the president alluded to a trade agreement that will be negotiated over time.”
Trump remains adamant about reducing the trade deficit with India, Mehta said, adding that increasing oil, gas, and defense sales should help balance trade between the two nations.
“If India starts importing and reduces trade barriers, and if the U.S. starts exporting without any trade barriers on items like F-35 jets and other advanced military equipment, then the trade deficit will almost become zero,” Mehta said.
Addressing the $500 billion bilateral trade target announced by Modi during the joint press conference at the White House, Mehta called it ambitious.
“Right now, bilateral trade is approximately $150 billion. So it’s almost going 3x or 3.5x in five years. That’s a pretty ambitious target,” he said. “But it is possible and doable because currently, India is the 10th largest trading partner of the United States. Given the size of its economy, India has a lot to offer, and the U.S. has a lot to offer to India.”
Mehta emphasized that India must diversify its defense and energy imports and reduce reliance on Russia.
“This is the right time for Modi and India to take advantage of bilateral relations with the U.S. It will be foolish for India to miss this opportunity,” he said. “President Trump has offered full support and cooperation for advanced defense equipment. Not old tech and old equipment that India is buying from Russia. India will get the F-35s that the president mentioned. India should take full advantage of that and upgrade its air force and military equipment.”
Mehta also noted that Modi announced regulatory changes related to a nuclear agreement. A 2008 civilian nuclear agreement between the U.S. and India has not taken off commercially due to India’s liability policy, which places liability on the vendor in the event of a nuclear accident.
“No American company would want to take that liability. There is no insurance available to cover that liability,” Mehta said. “Now India seems to be working on revising that policy. If they do, there will be significant investments and new technology available for small modular reactors.”
On the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a strategic alliance among the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, Mehta expressed optimism.
“Trump said very positive things about Quad. He even said that during his first term, he reinvigorated the Quad, which had gone dormant,” Mehta said. “He’s looking forward to a Quad summit that India is expected to host this year, likely in April, when President Trump is expected to travel to India.”
Quad focuses on maritime security, health partnerships, and emerging technology collaboration but does not currently address trade barriers, which are handled bilaterally, he said.
On the military front, Mehta noted continued joint exercises among the Quad nations in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, which he said bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Regarding reciprocal tariffs, Mehta said the textile and auto component industries might be the hardest hit. “India has a pretty good export market in the United States on textiles, gems and jewelry, and auto components. What is not clear yet is services, as India’s trade surplus with the U.S. is largely due to IT services,” he said. “That will be a big part of the ongoing negotiations.”
Researchers develop promising gene therapy for rare childhood epilepsy
iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
A team of researchers has developed a ground-breaking gene therapy aimed at treating Dravet syndrome (DS), a rare and severe form of epilepsy in children.
Dravet syndrome is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) that typically begins within the first year of life. The condition causes a range of debilitating symptoms, including frequent seizures, intellectual disability, and, in some cases, sudden death.
Most cases of DS are linked to a genetic mutation, and researchers at the University of Michigan focused on a specific gene called SCN1B, which plays a critical role in regulating sodium channels in the brain and heart. Mutations in this gene lead to a more severe form of DEE.
In their study using mice models, the researchers found that when the SCN1B gene was absent, the mice experienced seizures and had a 100% mortality rate within just three weeks of birth. The team then tested a gene therapy designed to replace the missing SCN1B gene and increase the production of beta-1 protein, which is essential for proper sodium channel regulation in the brain.
The results were promising: newborn mice treated with the gene therapy had significantly improved survival rates, fewer and less severe seizures, and restored brain neuron excitability.
While the research is still in its early stages, the findings represent an important proof-of-concept for a potential gene replacement therapy for SCN1B-linked DEE. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, could pave the way for future treatments that may offer hope to children suffering from this devastating disorder.
A separate study published in Neurology highlights the prevalence of epilepsy and developmental impairments in children, showing that 1 in 340 children experience epilepsy or developmental impairment before age 16. Of these, 1 in 590 have a DEE, and 1 in 800 suffer from both intellectual disability and epilepsy.
This new gene therapy offers a glimmer of hope for families affected by Dravet syndrome and other similar conditions, marking a major step forward in genetic research and treatment for rare childhood epilepsy disorders.
(Photo courtesy: IANS)
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