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A recent study suggests that sodium, a substance found in many foods like chips, processed meats, bread, and cheese, could be a major factor in the rising rates of obesity around the world.

While sugary foods and drinks have often been blamed for obesity, this new research shows that too much sodium might also be a risk.

The study was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in 2025. Researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland looked at data from over 5,000 men and women aged 18 and older. They studied how much sodium people consumed and measured sodium in their urine to understand its link to obesity.

One key finding is that all of the participants in the study were eating more sodium than the recommended amount. The World Health Organization suggests that people should not consume more than 5 grams of sodium per day, but the participants were eating more than this.

The results showed that people who ate more sodium had higher body fat and more abdominal fat. This was especially true for women. High sodium intake and obesity are both known to increase the risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.

The study found that people with the highest levels of sodium intake were much more likely to be obese.

For example, women with the highest sodium intake were 4.3 times more likely to be classified as obese, and 3.4 times more likely to have fat around their abdomen. In men, the risk was even higher. Men with the highest levels of sodium were 6 times more likely to be obese and 4.7 times more likely to have abdominal fat.

Researchers believe that men tend to eat more foods that are high in sodium, like meat products, bread, and cheese, which may explain the stronger link in men. However, both men and women showed similar patterns in the study.

Annika Santalahti, one of the researchers, said that these results provide more evidence that too much sodium is connected to obesity. She also emphasized that scientists still need to learn more about how sodium affects the body and its role in causing obesity.

This study highlights the importance of being mindful of how much sodium we consume. It’s a reminder that eating too much of certain foods can have serious health effects.

(Photo courtesy: Unsplash)

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On Wednesday, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, admitted that it was a “mistake” to include Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, in a private chat about sensitive military plans.

The conversation, held on the Signal messaging app, discussed U.S. military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

During a hearing before the House Intelligence Committee, Gabbard explained that while the chat included “candid and sensitive” information, it did not contain any classified material. She said, “There were no sources, methods, locations or war plans that were shared,” she said.

The hearing was originally called to discuss national security threats, but much of the discussion focused on the mistake involving the Signal chat.

The chat included top officials like CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Vice President JD Vance, among others.

The leak was controversial because The Atlantic published details from the chat, which included information on military operations.

Despite this, both Gabbard and Ratcliffe, along with the White House, insisted that the information shared was not classified. However, many Democrats disagreed, with Representative Joaquin Castro from Texas calling it a lie.

He pointed out that the information included sensitive details about weapon systems and the timing of attacks.

Some Democrats even called for Hegseth’s resignation, saying that the leak was a serious issue. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois argued that the leaked information was classified and called for Hegseth to step down immediately.

“This is classified information. It’s a weapon system, as well as a sequence of strikes, as well as details of the operations,” said Krishnamoorthi. “He needs to resign immediately.”

Despite the controversy, Ratcliffe defended the use of Signal as “appropriate” and said that the success of the military mission against the Houthi rebels should be the main focus. He argued that the leak should not overshadow the success of the mission.

The issue became even more heated during the hearing when Representative Jimmy Gomez questioned whether Hegseth might have been drinking alcohol during the chat, suggesting it could have affected his performance. Ratcliffe angrily rejected the question, saying it was offensive.

Later, The Atlantic released the full transcript of the Signal chat, which revealed that Hegseth had shared detailed information about the military strikes.

Gabbard tried to justify the leak by saying that because Hegseth shared the details in a non-secure chat, the information was no longer classified. “Ultimately the secretary of defense holds the authority to classify or declassify,” she said.

The National Security Council has said it will investigate the situation further. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump called the issue a “glitch”, downplaying its significance.

(Photo courtesy: Gage Skidmore/WikiMedia)

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On March 25, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a report that highlights the worsening treatment of religious minorities in India.

The report paints a troubling picture of rising attacks and discrimination against these groups, with particular concern for Muslims living in the country.

According to the commission, the situation in 2024 saw an increase in religious violence and discrimination, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) playing a role by spreading “hateful rhetoric” against Muslims and other minorities during last year’s election campaign.

The USCIRF said that such actions contributed to an environment of increased hostility toward religious minorities.

In response, India dismissed the report, calling it “biased and politically motivated”. The country’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, criticized the commission for misrepresenting isolated incidents and falsely portraying India as a nation of intolerance. He said that India’s society is diverse and multicultural, while rejecting claims that it discriminates against religious minorities.

A key point of tension between India and the U.S. in recent years has been the alleged involvement of India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), in plots targeting Sikh separatists (Khalistanis) living abroad.

The U.S. has raised concerns about this issue, especially after charging a former Indian intelligence officer, Vikash Yadav, in a foiled assassination plot against Sikh separatists. While India has denied any involvement, the issue has created a rift in U.S.-India relations.

The report also criticized Modi’s comments from April of the previous year, where he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” who have “more children,” further fueling tensions between the two communities.

The U.S. State Department has raised concerns about India’s human rights record in the past, including the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, which the United Nations has called discriminatory.

Other actions that have drawn criticism include anti-conversion laws, the revocation of Kashmir’s special status (which is predominantly Muslim), and the demolition of properties owned by Muslims. Rights advocates argue that these actions reflect a pattern of discrimination against religious minorities in India.

The USCIRF has recommended that the U.S. government designate India as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom violations.

It also called for targeted sanctions against both Vikash Yadav and the RAW. However, the commission’s recommendations are not binding, and it’s unlikely that the U.S. government will impose sanctions on India, as the country remains an important partner in countering China’s growing influence in Asia.

Despite the criticism from the U.S., Indian Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly denied any allegations of discrimination, pointing to government initiatives like electrification drives and subsidies that benefit all communities, regardless of religion. Nonetheless, the debate continues, with ongoing concerns over the rights and freedoms of religious minorities in India.

(The Indian flag. Photo courtesy: Unsplash)

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Global digital transformation consultancy Bounteous recently announced the appointment of Indian-origin Sudarshan Mandayam as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025, following the successful completion of its merger with Accolite Digital, according to an official news release.

Mandayam has extensive global leadership experience across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions, having held senior roles at industry leaders such as Cognizant, Infosys, L&T Infotech, JPMorgan, and Citi.

He brings a proven track record of driving growth, scaling businesses, leading digital transformation initiatives, and delivering measurable client outcomes through high-performing teams.

Most recently serving as President, Americas at Bounteous, Mandayam played a pivotal role in integrating the merged company, sharpening the company’s strategic focus, aligning teams, and advancing its ability to deliver differentiated digital solutions.

“I am honored to lead Bounteous into its next phase of growth,” said Mandayam. “As AI and digital technologies rapidly reshape every industry, we are uniquely positioned to help our clients transform with speed and purpose – combining strategy, experience innovation, and AI-driven execution to deliver measurable, lasting impact.”

Mandayam succeeds Keith Schwartz, Co-Founder and former CEO of Bounteous and Leela Kaza, Founder and former CEO of Accolite Digital. Schwartz and Kaza jointly led the merged company for the past fourteen months as Co-CEOs and will assume new roles as Vice Chairmen of the Board, where they will continue to support the company’s strategic direction and vision.

“Sudarshan deeply understands the value of Co-Innovation and has already demonstrated an exceptional ability to deliver impact at scale,” said Schwartz. “He leads with clarity and purpose, and his ability to bring together diverse capabilities – across strategy, design, and technology – will ensure Bounteous continues to be the digital transformation partner of choice for leading enterprises.”

Kaza said, “Bounteous stands apart through its ability to create exceptional digital experiences and deliver enterprise-wide technology transformation. Sudarshan’s strategic vision and commitment to customer success, blended with sharp operational focus and execution, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the business into the next phase of growth and advance our mission to deliver high-impact solutions to our customers worldwide.”

Prasad Chintamaneni, Managing Director at New Mountain Capital and Executive Chairman of the Board at Bounteous, stated, “Bounteous has redefined how companies Co-Innovate with their partners to stay ahead of disruption. With Sudarshan’s leadership, we’re doubling down on AI-led transformation – bringing together digital strategy, world-class execution, and deep industry expertise, to help our clients compete smarter and lead in an AI-driven world.”

(Sudarshan Mandayam, Chief Executive Officer, Bounteous. Photo courtesy: www.prnewswire.com)

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India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India and the U.S. had a “very open discussion” on trade and the result of that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump agreed to conclude bilateral trade agreement by fall this year.

In conversation with Kyung-wha Kang of Asia Society in Delhi on Wednesday, March 26, Jaishankar mentioned that there has been a “very active and intense trade discussion” between India and the U.S. at this point and recalled the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal’s visit to the U.S. in February.

Asked about trade agreements between India and the U.S., Jaishankar responded, “When we went to Washington in February when Prime Minister went and the discussions that he had with President Trump, I think overall our assessment was that we saw many changes which suited us or which in some ways formed a convergence on which we could build upon.”

“Let me give you a few examples. Let’s take defense. We saw a President who was much more open and much more active in terms of building a security-defense partnership and much more forthcoming about American technology possibilities,” he added.

Notably, India and the U.S. are gearing up to negotiate a landmark Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that could potentially boost trade between the two nations amid Trump’s plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners, including India.

“Our own experience in the first term, in his first term was that he personally took an interest in ensuring that some of the platforms which we had an interest in, which we wanted, which were sort of meandering their way somewhere through American bureaucracy, that he stepped in and made sure that this happened,” the EAM said.

“This time around he we suddenly heard a recognition. That you know there has to be a better way of engaging partners if there are countries who respect and recognize the value of American technology and want to acquire it and they should, there should be easier pathways than the current one. So, we certainly expect a more substantial level higher quality defence relationship as a result,” he added.

Trump had earlier targeted India’s import duties in a speech to a joint session of Congress. Trump specifically targeted India’s tariffs on automobile imports, saying, “India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100%.”

While addressing a joint session of the U.S. Congress, Trump said that the reciprocal tax will kick in on April 2. He had said that the U.S. has been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on earth and vowed not to “let that happen any longer”.

Jaishankar said that India started importing LNG from the U.S. some decades ago and noted that the business stayed at a certain level. He expressed India’s interest in increasing LNG imports from the US. He said that the two nations had a good discussion on the tech world and called success of BigTech essential to make America great again

S Jaishankar said, “A second area of interest for us was energy, for a country like India which is whose imports are overwhelming, how to make sure that there’s a stable, reasonable, predictable energy environment is something which is crucial for our long term growth and development.”

“Now we saw a President who clearly had an interest in ensuring that energy availability was more, energy flows were more diverse, that countries like India could have more choice than we currently do. We, you know, had some decades ago, started, well about a decade ago, started importing LNG from the U.S., but for various reasons, the business stayed at a certain level.”

“We have interest in increasing it because you know the U.S. is a very, very stable supplier. So, we found from the energy perspective a very positive administration,” he said.

“We had a good discussion on the tech world. I think there was a recognition because, you know, big tech is today,” Jaishankar added.

“The success of big tech is essential to make America great again. There is a connection between the two and I think Big tech recognises the importance of mobility and talent flows and the importance of partnerships because obviously everything in the tech world can’t happen in America,” the EAM said.

“So, how do you create reliable supply chains? How do you have trusted vendors, trusted partners, transparent partners? I think these were issues on which again we saw a great deal of understanding and positivity.”

“On trade, we had a very open discussion and the result of that discussion was that the Prime Minister and the President agreed that we would conclude you rightly said not a free trade agreement but a bilateral trade agreement by fall this year. And that is what is currently under discussion,” he added.

Jaishankar stated, “We have a team here, by the way, they’re not it’s not that they are kicking off the discussion. My colleague, the trade minister, the commerce minister was in the U.S. last month, and since then actually we’ve been working the trade account through virtual means. So, there’s a very active and intense trade discussion going on at this point of time.”

On India’s decision not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Jaishankar said, “So, this brings me to the trade part of what you asked. Look, we did not sign RCEP for this reason. We through the RCEP discussions, we continuously sought protections and safeguards because we had apprehensions about a surge of imports essentially spurred by non-market and subsidy support.”

“We didn’t get it, the RCEP partners did not take our concerns seriously. And at the end of the day, finally, forgive my saying it, presented us with a take it or leave it situation. And we left it, so and I think today if you ask people at that time when we did it, perhaps opinions were a bit more divided today, I think there’s a much stronger consensus that not joining RCEP for a country like India was a wise decision because see the nature of RCEP,” he continued.

“RCEP is a supply chain architecture system, where rules of origin have very limited meaning, I mean they can’t be verified in the way in which it used to be before. So, the way the flows would come at us, I mean already we are today struggling with some very serious adverse trade balances,” Jaishankar said.

“There are deep concerns in this country about the hollowing out of our industrial capacity. We believe that we’re getting again a lot of unfair competition out of economies east of India. So, for the sake of diplomacy, I will not take names and I think all these were factors into our thinking,” he added.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/DrSJaishankar)

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In a significant move to bolster U.S. manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign-made goods, President Donald Trump announced a new 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts.

The tariff will apply to all cars and trucks that are assembled outside of the United States and shipped to American shores, covering a wide range of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as essential automobile parts such as engines, transmissions, powertrain parts, and electrical components.

This tariff will go into effect on April 2, the date Trump has dubbed “Liberation Day”, which coincides with the implementation of a new reciprocal tariff system.

Trump’s move aims to charge countries that have benefited from trade with the U.S., taking American jobs, wealth, and resources over the years. “We’re going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth, taking a lot of things that they’ve been taking over the years,” Trump said during his remarks from the Oval Office.

While the President emphasized that no tariff would be applied to cars made in the U.S., this new measure will impact half of all automobiles sold in the country, which are imported.

The White House estimates that the 25% tariff could generate as much as $100 billion in revenue, signaling the significant financial impact of the policy.

Trump also indicated that this tariff would not be entirely reciprocal in nature, suggesting that the U.S. might not match the exact tariff rates imposed by other countries. However, he assured that the new tariffs would not be overly harsh, aiming for what he called “leniency”.

Trump expressed confidence that many nations would be surprised by the lower-than-expected tariffs that would apply to them, saying the U.S. would not be as aggressive as other countries have been in their trade policies.

In his remarks, Trump also suggested that other goods, such as pharmaceuticals, could face additional tariffs in the near future. He noted that a significant number of drugs available in the U.S. are made abroad, particularly in China and Ireland, and suggested that tariffs on such goods would be forthcoming.

While the reciprocal tariff system might not match the exact levels of other countries’ tariffs, Trump assured that the U.S. would take a fair and “very nice” approach to the process.

He contrasted this approach with the treatment the U.S. has received from other countries over the years, suggesting that the U.S. had not been treated equitably in global trade. The administration’s new trade policies are likely to have far-reaching consequences for both U.S. manufacturers and international trade relations.

(Photo courtesy: Screengrab)

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U.S. President Donald Trump has pointed to India’s system of linking voter identification to a biometric database as an example of a country ensuring the integrity of its elections.

He compared this to the more relaxed voter identification system in the U.S. In an order issued recently, Trump highlighted that India requires voters to link their Election Photo Identification Card (EPIC) with their Aadhaar card, while the U.S. mainly relies on self-attestation to confirm citizenship.

He criticized America for not having stronger election protections compared to other countries, including those that are still developing.

Trump’s new order requires voters in federal elections to prove their citizenship, asking them to provide documents like a passport to verify their identity. He also pointed out that, unlike the U.S., India has a national Election Commission that oversees elections and enforces the rules consistently across the country.

In India, the Election Laws (Amendment) Act of 2021 requires voters to link their Aadhaar card to their EPIC, and the Election Commission is working on finalizing the system for this.

The U.S., however, does not have a national election system. Elections are governed by state and local laws, which can differ widely from one state to another. Even the machines used for voting and the process for selecting party candidates vary.

California, for example, has a law making it illegal to ask for voter identification, which could clash with Trump’s order. The U.S. also lacks a national identification card, and people often use their driver’s license or Social Security number for identification. Some states issue voter ID cards without photos, while others don’t issue them at all.

Trump’s order is expected to face legal challenges, as the Constitution allows states to regulate elections. While Democrats argue that requiring photo IDs could disenfranchise poor people who may not be able to obtain one, Republicans believe the relaxed rules lead to voter fraud.

Trump’s order also aims to tighten rules around postal voting, which has been a point of criticism since the 2020 election.

Trump further compared the U.S. to countries like Germany, Canada, Denmark, and Sweden, which have more strict and transparent voting systems.

In Germany and Canada, for example, paper ballots are used and counted publicly, reducing disputes.

Denmark and Sweden limit mail-in voting to those who cannot vote in person and do not accept ballots received late.

Trump criticized the U.S. system for allowing late-arriving mail-in ballots and ballots without proper postmarks, which he believes causes confusion and fraud.

In his order, Trump also mentioned Brazil’s system, which links voter identification with biometric data, as another example of how countries can ensure the integrity of their elections.

(President Trump with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo courtesy: PIB)

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Shohini Sinha as the assistant director of the Victim Services Division, an official news release stated.

Sinha, an Indian American, most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office.

She joined the FBI as a special agent in 2001. Sinha was first assigned to the Milwaukee Field Office, where she worked in counterterrorism investigations.

She also served temporary assignments at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, the FBI Legal Attaché Office in London, and the Baghdad Operations Center.

Sinha was promoted in 2009 to supervisory special agent and transferred to the Counterterrorism Division in Washington, D.C. She served as program manager of Canada-based extraterritorial investigations and facilitated liaison efforts with Washington-based Canadian liaison officers.

In 2012, Sinha was promoted to assistant legal attaché in Ottawa, Canada, working counterterrorism matters in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. In 2015, she was promoted to field supervisor in the Detroit Field Office, where she led squads responsible for investigating international terrorism matters.

In early 2020, Sinha transferred to the Cyber Intrusion squad, which worked both national security and criminal cyber intrusion matters. Later in 2020, she was promoted to assistant special agent in charge for national security matters, and later criminal matters, in the Portland Field Office.

Sinha was selected to serve as the executive special assistant to the director in 2021. She has been serving as the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office since July of 2023.

Prior to her employment with the FBI, Sinha worked as a therapist and later as an administrator for a private, not-for-profit clinic. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Purdue University in Indiana.

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In a groundbreaking advancement for cancer treatment, researchers in Australia are developing next-generation nanoparticles aimed at supercharging existing therapies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of the disease.

The innovative research, led by the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), is focused on designing iron-based nanoparticles, referred to as “nano-adjuvants”.

These tiny particles are so small that thousands of them could fit on a single strand of hair. The goal of these nanoparticles is to enhance the body’s immune response, helping to combat TNBC more effectively.

Triple-negative breast cancer is notoriously difficult to treat due to the absence of proteins that are commonly targeted by conventional cancer therapies. This characteristic makes it a particularly challenging type of breast cancer, leaving many patients with limited treatment options. According to Professor Yu Chengzhong from AIBN, this gap in effective treatments is the key motivation behind their research.

The nano-adjuvants are designed to work by enhancing the activity of T-cells, which are white blood cells responsible for identifying and attacking foreign invaders like cancer cells. By improving the ability of T-cells to recognize and destroy cancerous cells within the tumor microenvironment, these nanoparticles have the potential to significantly boost the immune system’s response to TNBC.

This promising research is supported by a grant of 3 million Australian dollars (approximately $1.89 million) from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and the project is expected to span five years. The funding will help address a critical treatment gap, not only for TNBC but also for other difficult-to-treat cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Professor Yu, who brings over two decades of experience in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, is hopeful that this breakthrough will revolutionize cancer treatment. By making immunotherapy more effective for patients battling aggressive solid tumors, the nanoparticles could potentially transform how cancers like TNBC are treated.

The research aims to pave the way for future clinical applications, with the potential to reshape the landscape of cancer therapy, particularly for cancers that currently lack effective treatment options. With the promise of enhancing immunotherapy, this new approach could bring much-needed hope to those facing one of the most challenging forms of breast cancer.

(Photo courtesy: IANS)

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On Tuesday, March 25, the U.S. Senate confirmed Jay Bhattacharya, an Indian-origin professor at Stanford School of Medicine, as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The confirmation came after a narrow vote of 53-47 during the roll call vote in the 119th Congress.

Bhattacharya, a prominent health policy expert, has a distinguished career, serving as a professor at Stanford University and holding senior fellowships at several prestigious Stanford institutions.

His research focuses on health policy, biomedical innovation, and the economics of health, and he directs the Stanford Centre for Demography and Economics of Health and Ageing.

Bhattacharya is also known for his role as a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which proposed an alternative to lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. His peer-reviewed research has been widely published in fields including economics, public health, and medical journals, making him a well-respected figure in health policy circles.

In his new role at NIH, Bhattacharya will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was recently confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Together, they aim to restore NIH to its “Gold Standard of Medical Research”.

Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, congratulated Bhattacharya following his confirmation, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the NIH with sound judgment and extensive medical research experience.

Voted today to confirm Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. With an extensive background in medical research, I expect @DrJBhattacharya to provide sound leadership at the @NIH. pic.twitter.com/R9E2NSBPj1

— U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (@SenMcConnell) March 25, 2025

Bhattacharya’s confirmation comes amid growing debates about the future direction of U.S. health policy, with his appointment marking a significant moment in the ongoing reshaping of the nation’s health leadership.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/Jon_Hartley_)

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U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at implementing broad changes to the nation’s election process.

The new order seeks to enhance the integrity of elections by requiring voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.

The White House stated that the Election Assistance Commission would now require documentary, government-issued proof of citizenship on voter registration forms.

As part of the order, various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Social Security Administration, and the Department of State, will provide states with access to federal databases to verify the eligibility and citizenship of individuals registering to vote.

The order also directs the Attorney General to prioritize prosecuting non-citizen voting and related offenses, coordinating with state attorneys general and utilizing DHS records to address potential violations.

In an effort to secure the election process further, the executive order also calls for an update to the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and a strengthening of security standards for voting equipment.

FREE, FAIR, and HONEST Elections.

“This will go a long way towards ending it [election fraud]. There are other steps we will be taking…We’ve got to straighten out our elections.” – @POTUS

🇺🇸 Proof of citizenship
🇺🇸 Prevent foreign interference
🇺🇸 Prosecute election crimes pic.twitter.com/nlftxgHCi5

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 25, 2025

The order emphasizes the importance of voter-verifiable paper ballots and bans the use of ballots with barcodes or QR codes that contain counted votes. The White House noted that the implementation of these changes would ensure greater transparency and security in the voting process.

The statement from the White House highlighted the United States’ lag in comparison to other countries like India and Brazil, which use biometric databases for voter identification.

In contrast, the U.S. has largely relied on self-attestation for citizenship, making the verification process less secure.

The White House also pointed to practices in Denmark and Sweden, where mail-in voting is limited to those unable to vote in person, and late ballots are not counted. In comparison, the U.S. has adopted widespread mail-in voting, even allowing ballots to be counted after Election Day, which critics argue poses a risk to the integrity of elections.

Additionally, the White House pointed out that countries like Germany and Canada require paper ballots when tabulating votes, while the U.S. employs a variety of voting methods that often lack essential safeguards. The statement stressed that without proper enforcement of federal laws, illegal voting, fraud, and errors could undermine the votes of law-abiding citizens.

President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in the U.S. “We’re going to fix our elections so that our elections are going to be honorable and honest and people leave and they know their vote is counted,” he said, expressing confidence that the changes would restore integrity to the electoral system.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/WhiteHouse)

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Lineaje, the full-lifecycle software supply chain security company, on Tuesday, March 25, announced the appointment of Indian-origin business expert Intekhab Nazeer as chief financial officer (CFO).

Leveraging his extensive business expertise in the software and cybersecurity industries, he will help usher the company into its hyperscale growth phase following its landmark Series A investment last year.

Gartner forecasts that software supply chain attacks will cost $138 billion by 2031. With Gartner forecasting, “The urgent need for attention to the security of the software supply chain has been laid bare by damaging attacks. The estimated cost of these attacks runs to tens of billions of dollars and is expected to grow 200% to $138 billion by 2031”.

Lineaje is meeting organizations’ difficult and complex software supply chain security needs, and Nazeer will be instrumental in expanding the company’s industry depth and revenue.

As CFO of Lineaje, Nazeer will oversee the company’s financial strategy, driving operational efficiencies and supporting its rapid expansion.

He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in corporate finance and accounting within the software and biotechnology sectors. Before joining Lineaje, he served as CFO at Weka.IO, a data platform for AI workloads and next-generation graphics processing units (GPUs), where he helped raise over $300 million in funding and grew annual recurring revenue (ARR) from $2 million to over $100 million.

Throughout his career, Nazeer has driven operational efficiency and finance automation at Unifi Software, Platfora, Appcelerator, Greenplum, HCL Group, and more, an official news release stated.

“95% of digital risk originates within the software ecosystem, and Lineaje’s comprehensive approach, spearheaded by Javed and his team, offers the critical solution organizations desperately need to combat this pervasive threat,” said Nazeer.

“Their ability to deliver holistic software supply chain security and maintenance is unparalleled, and I’m honored to contribute to their mission of setting the industry standard,” he added.

(Photo courtesy: www.linkedin.com/in/cpa2009)

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U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that American national security is stronger than ever, citing recent military actions against the Houthis in Yemen as proof of the country’s strength.

“Our National Security is stronger than it has ever been. We have had very successful and numerous attacks on that area (Yemen),” Trump said during an interview at the White House, highlighting the effectiveness of the operations.

He described the Houthis as a significant threat, stating, “These are the people that shoot down ships right out of the water. They also happen to be shooting anything that is flying through the area.”

Trump also pointed out the weakening of Houthi forces, saying, “The Houthis are on the run; the worst of them have been killed.”

Expressing frustration that such actions weren’t taken sooner, he said it should have been done a long time ago. He further criticized the Houthis for their tactics, claiming, “They randomly shoot missiles on ships, and they make their own missiles.”

The president also addressed concerns about the potential leak of classified information, stating, “There was no classified information, as I understand. They used an app that a lot of people in the government and media use.”

Trump also dismissed the credibility of The Atlantic, which reported the alleged leak, declaring, “The Atlantic is a failed magazine”. The President further said nobody cared about the magazine.

He also voiced his support for NSA Mike Waltz, calling him “a very good man” who would continue to perform well in his role.

NSA Mike Waltz echoed Trump’s criticism of media misinformation, stating, “There are a lot of journalists in the city who have made big names for themselves, making up lies about this President.”

Waltz confirmed that officials were investigating how a specific journalist managed to enter a secure room.

Speaking about broader security efforts, Waltz credited Trump’s leadership, saying, “The world owes President Trump a favor. Under Biden, global shipping was shut down.”

He also emphasized the coordinated efforts of the administration’s national security team, noting, “We have a National Security team that was coordinating these efforts.”

(Photo courtesy: x.com/WhiteHouse)

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On Tuesday, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation in India’s Uttar Pradesh, passed a unanimous resolution to rename the road in front of the ISRO office in Janakipuram in honor of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams.

The decision was announced by City Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, who explained that the proposal for the renaming was introduced by Corporator Ranjit Singh.

“A corporator, Ranjit Singh, gave a proposal on this, and it was passed unanimously. A road in front of the ISRO office in Janakipuram will be renamed after Sunita Williams,” Kharkwal said.

Williams, an American astronaut of Indian descent with NASA, is renowned for her multiple space missions, including her most recent, which saw her spending nine months aboard the International Space Station.

On March 18, NASA, in partnership with SpaceX, safely brought back the Crew-9 astronauts — Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov — from space.

While Hague and Gorbunov had been in space since September 2024, Wilmore and Williams had been on their mission since June.

Initially expected to last just a week, their mission was extended to over nine months due to delays caused by issues with their Boeing Starliner capsule.

Following their return, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Williams.

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 world celebrated World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2025, with the theme of “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”  According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, approximately 10.8 million people were affected by TB globally, including 6.0 million males, 3.6 million women, and 1.3 million children. No country or age group has been spared by TB. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, 9,633 cases of TB were reported which was an increase of 15.6% over the previous year.  It needs to be noted that TB is preventable and curable. Can we eradicate TB like we did smallpox?

Some of the challenges in controlling TB are as follows. First, in present times, there are a lot of funding cuts which will directly and indirectly contribute to efforts aimed at controlling TB. In 2022, USAID released an eight-year Global Tuberculosis (TB) Strategy 2023-2030, which outlined global TB goals that aligned with the WHO End TB Strategy 2030 targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal for TB. These goals were to:

• Reduce TB incidence relative to 2019 by 35%.
• Reduce TB deaths by 52% relative to 2019.
• Early diagnosis and treatment of 90% of new cases of TB and drug-resistant TB.
• Maintain treatment success at 90%.
• Provide TB preventive treatment (TPT) to 30 million individuals.

However, with the future of USAID being uncertain and curtailment of funding of WHO and other international donors, the accomplishment of the lofty goals of TB control also seems bleak and bound to take a reverse course. Strong political will and worldwide unity are essential to counteract this threat.

The second challenge to TB control is posed by drug-resistant TB, which is exacerbated by individuals not completing the long course of treatment.  This necessitates longer and more complex treatment regimens, which often contribute to a vicious cycle.  Newer drug regimens like those of bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, and moxifloxacin (BPaLM) are recommended in drug-resistant TB, which should be made easily available and accessible to patients. Educational programs, research for even newer, effective, and less expensive drugs through innovation and policy interventions are also required.

The third challenge pertains to the health disparities particularly related to socio-economic conditions. It is well established that poor, indigent, and malnourished individuals are more susceptible to TB.  HIV patients have higher mortality due to TB. Broader policy initiatives to address social determinants of health in every country are needed to reduce this threat.

Finally, prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment are the cornerstones for controlling TB. A robust public health infrastructure in every country is essential for TB prevention and control, including measures for screening, testing, treatment, and contact tracing. So, to sum up what is perhaps lacking in ending TB from our planet is global commitment and political will as was the case in eradicating smallpox.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed optimism regarding the visit of an American delegation, which will hold discussions on the framework of a proposed bilateral agreement concerning India-U.S. trade relations.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, March 25, Tharoor said he was hopeful that the talks would lead to a constructive outcome, ensuring that Indian trade is not significantly impacted.

“Americans have sent a delegation and we are expecting them to spend four days talking to the Commerce ministry people on our side. The problem is that U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a very strong stand that from April 2, a reciprocal tariff will apply,” Tharoor stated.

“And because India does apply tariff lines to a number of American exports to India, if you strictly understand what reciprocal means, it would mean that our exports to America will also be affected. So I’m hoping that in the talks they’ll find some sensible outcome,” he added.

Tharoor emphasized India’s trade surplus with the U.S., saying, “You know we have a 45 billion dollar trade surplus with America. Some of it will certainly be reduced now, but we don’t want it to seriously affect our exports and our economy and our trade balance. So I’m hoping there’ll be a good constructive discussion and we’ll be able to find some sensible outcomes.”

On the recent developments under the Trump 2.0 administration, Tharoor remarked that the world must “be conscious, react and if necessary, negotiate a different solution”.

President Trump has set April 2 as the deadline for the imposition of reciprocal tariffs.

U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, has arrived in India for a visit from March 25-29, accompanied by a delegation of U.S. government officials, as stated by a U.S. embassy spokesperson.

According to the spokesperson, the delegation will be in India from March 25-29 for discussions with Indian counterparts as part of the ongoing bilateral trade talks.

“We value our ongoing engagement with the Government of India on trade and investment matters and look forward to continuing these discussions in a constructive, equitable, and forward-looking manner,” the spokesperson noted.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/JindalGlobalUNI)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Nandana Menon, an 18-year-old Indian American high school senior from South Fayette Township, Pennsylvania, has won first place in the South by Southwest (SXSW) EDU Expo’s Student Impact Challenge.

This annual competition, supported by the Allstate Foundation, recognizes high school students who are making a difference in their communities. The event gives these students a chance to share their ideas, show off their skills, and gain valuable experience.

Menon was one of five finalists from around the world who were selected to present their projects to a panel of experts at the SXSW EDU Expo in Austin, Texas, in early March. The competition featured innovative projects from students in various academic fields.

After her big win, Menon shared her excitement on LinkedIn, saying, “The SXSW Student Impact Challenge was an incredible and eye-opening experience that I had the privilege of being part of this year! I am truly honored to be one of just five students worldwide selected to pitch my project in Austin, TX.”

She also expressed gratitude to the people she met during the competition, especially Tiana Day, one of the judges who helped choose her project as the winner. Menon was awarded the SXSW trophy and $5,000 in funding to continue developing her project.

Menon’s winning project, called Spark, is an educational app designed to help children with autism. The app offers customized therapy plans, sensory resources, and support for caregivers.

Day praised Menon’s work, saying, “Congratulations to the incredible winner of our competition, Nandana Menon with her organization “Spark”, an educational app used to support children with autism providing customized therapy plans, support, sensory resources and care.”

Another judge, Junita S., also congratulated Menon on LinkedIn, saying, “Biggest congrats to Nandana Menon founder of Spark, for the win! Her work supporting autistic children is already making a difference, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. University of Pennsylvania would be lucky to have her in the fall.”

Menon is the founder of the Autism Unity Initiative, a nonprofit organization that helps children with autism, their parents, and therapists. Through this initiative, Menon has created a platform offering useful resources and fun activities specifically designed for children with autism.

In addition to her work with autism support, Menon has won other awards. She was part of a team that won the 2024 CGI IT Girl Challenge for developing TABU, an app that helps people struggling with substance abuse. The team received a $20,000 scholarship for their efforts.

At South Fayette High School, Menon is a leader. She is the president of the National Honor Society, a student representative on the School Board, and a facilitator for the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Committee.

(Photo courtesy: www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-day/)

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India’s economy is expected to grow by 6.5% in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, according to S&P Global Ratings, demonstrating resilience amid global uncertainties.

This growth forecast assumes a normal monsoon season and stable commodity prices, particularly for crude oil.

The global financial institution highlighted factors such as cooling food inflation, tax benefits outlined in India’s budget for fiscal year 2025-26, and reduced borrowing costs as key contributors to supporting discretionary consumption in the country.

S&P also pointed out that economies with a significant share of service exports, like India and the Philippines, are more likely to have resilient trade amid tariffs, as these tend to be levied primarily on goods.

On the matter of interest rates, S&P projected that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will likely reduce rates by 75-100 basis points in the current cycle. The easing of food inflation and lower crude oil prices are expected to bring headline inflation closer to the RBI’s 4% target for fiscal year 2025-26, with fiscal policy remaining contained.

Despite challenges from external pressures and policy changes in the Asia-Pacific region, S&P’s forecast highlights the continued resilience of regional economies.

However, the report noted that the U.S.’s increased tariffs on Chinese exports could hurt China’s economy. The additional 10% tariff will bring the effective U.S. tariff rate on Chinese exports to approximately 35%, impacting China’s GDP growth through lower exports, investment, and other negative effects.

Countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea will likely face the most significant economic impacts from these tariffs, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, respectively.

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Experts have raised alarms about the increasing screen time associated with digital device overuse, warning that it is contributing to a rise in near-sightedness, or myopia, particularly among young people.

This concern has become even more pressing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, when online learning became the norm for many students, and outdoor activities were severely limited.

Dr. Anuj Mehta, Professor and Head of Ophthalmology at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, noted that digital eye strain is a growing issue, especially for children post-pandemic. He explained that prolonged screen exposure causes the eye muscles to remain contracted for extended periods. Over time, this strain can lead to the development of myopia, particularly in younger, more adaptable eyes.

Dr. Kirti Singh, Director Professor at the Guru Nanak Eye Centre in New Delhi, added that constant screen focus reduces the frequency of eye blinking, leading to dry eyes. This problem is further exacerbated in confined spaces with poor ventilation, excessive air conditioning, or exposure to smoke, conditions that are often associated with “sick building syndrome”.

Dr. A.K. Grover, an ophthalmologist from a city-based hospital, explained that inadequate or infrequent blinking contributes to ocular issues like dryness, burning, and eye fatigue.

He also noted that extended screen time can make it harder for the eyes to shift focus between near and distant objects, which leads to focusing difficulties. Additionally, excessive screen use can result in poor posture, which causes neck and head strain, adding to overall discomfort.

The impact of digital strain goes beyond just the eyes, according to Dr. Singh, who emphasized that eye health is linked to other vital organs, such as the liver, heart, and kidneys.

While experts agree that eliminating digital devices from children’s lives is not realistic, they suggest steps to mitigate the negative effects of digital eye strain. They emphasize the need for balance, with a focus on encouraging more outdoor activities to support long-distance vision.

One simple and effective strategy they recommend is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break by looking at something 20 feet away. Additionally, experts suggest aiming for at least two hours of outdoor activity daily to help combat the effects of prolonged screen exposure.

(Photo courtesy: Unsplash)

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U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on exports from countries purchasing oil from Venezuela is expected to impact India, which already faces the prospect of retaliatory U.S. taxes next month.

Trump announced the tariff on Monday via Truth Social, stating that any nation purchasing oil and/or gas from Venezuela would face a 25% tariff on all trade with the U.S.

India, which imported 63,115 barrels of oil per day from Venezuela in 2024, is particularly vulnerable to the move. Additionally, India’s efforts to expand cooperation with Venezuela in the petroleum sector may now be jeopardized.

Trump’s tariff proposal is set to take effect on April 2, coinciding with the expected implementation of reciprocal tariffs on all nations.

However, reports suggest that the U.S. may target specific sectors rather than enforcing a blanket tariff. Trump’s decision ties into his broader campaign against Venezuela, especially following his designation of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang as a “foreign terrorist organization”.

He accused Venezuela of deliberately sending gang members linked to violence and crime into the U.S., using the issue as part of his broader counterterrorism strategy.

This move will also impact other nations, including China, which is Venezuela’s largest oil importer. Despite the U.S.’s own imports of 228,000 barrels per day from Venezuela in the previous year, the Trump administration instructed U.S. oil company Chevron to cease operations in Venezuela, ending its oil exports to the U.S.

India has been eager to enhance its trade relationship with Venezuela. In February, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who oversees petroleum matters, visited India during the Energy India Week event.

She met with Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and other officials, during which Puri expressed optimism about increasing oil imports from Venezuela.

He suggested that the easing of international constraints on Venezuelan oil would allow for more imports, saying that if the processes are sorted out, one can expect more oil from Venezuela.

However, with Trump’s new tariff threat, those prospects appear uncertain.

Venezuela has been under U.S. sanctions due to President Nicolás Maduro’s government, which Washington accuses of undemocratic practices.

While the Biden administration briefly eased sanctions with general waivers, these were rescinded last year after allegations of unfair elections in Venezuela. Trump’s administration has since ended these waivers, imposing more restrictive measures.

(Photo courtesy: IANS)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

A bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. Congress on Monday, March 24, aimed at imposing sanctions on Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, due to his alleged involvement in persecuting political opponents, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to The Hill.

The bill, named the “Pakistan Democracy Act” was introduced by Reps. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and calls for targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

It requires the U.S. government to identify individuals responsible for political persecution in Pakistan within 180 days and impose penalties, such as visa bans and restrictions on entering the U.S.

Munir is specifically accused of “knowingly engaging in the wrongful persecution and imprisonment of political opponents”, and the bill advocates for similar action against others involved in the crackdown.

Wilson has been outspoken about his views on Khan’s imprisonment, which he believes is politically motivated.

“Mr. Khan is clearly a political prisoner,” Wilson told The Hill, adding that he had urged the U.S. government to pressure Pakistan’s military leadership through visa bans and other measures to restore democracy and facilitate Khan’s release. The bill provides a pathway for lifting sanctions if Pakistan ends military rule, restores civilian democracy, and releases all detained political figures.

Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022, was arrested in August 2023 on corruption charges. His supporters claim the charges are politically motivated and part of a broader military effort to block his return to power. Lawmakers from both major U.S. political parties have called for his release, including Reps. Greg Casar (D-Texas), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and Jack Bergman (R-Mich.).

Richard Grenell, a former Trump administration official, has also expressed support for Khan. In December, he shared a post on social media platform X, urging people to “watch Pakistan,” likening Khan’s imprisonment to a “phony” situation akin to what happened to former U.S. President Donald Trump. His post garnered over 12 million views and was widely shared by Khan’s supporters.

Earlier this month, President Trump thanked the Pakistani government for assisting in the arrest of an ISIS member linked to the 2021 Kabul airport attack. Last week, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to comment on Khan’s situation, stating that the U.S. does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, as reported by The Hill.

Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. and senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, was doubtful that the U.S. would take significant action, suggesting that sanctions would be unlikely simply to secure the release of a populist leader with anti-American rhetoric. Haqqani noted Khan’s past accusations that the U.S. played a role in his ouster in collaboration with Pakistan’s opposition, particularly due to his independent foreign policy stance.

Despite his differences with Khan’s views, Wilson argued that political disagreements should be settled democratically.

Michael Kugelman, South Asia director at the Wilson Center, noted the irony in Khan’s supporters calling on the U.S. to intervene after blaming it for his ouster. He observed that this situation is politically complex and highlighted the contradictions in the arguments of Khan’s supporters.

Haqqani added that the push for sanctions might be more about domestic politics in the U.S. than genuine concern for Pakistan’s internal matters, pointing out that many lawmakers might misunderstand Khan’s relationship with the U.S., as he has never positioned himself as a U.S. ally.

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On Monday, March 24, U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry, announced that Hyundai will invest $5.8 billion in American manufacturing.

This includes the construction of a steel plant in Louisiana, which will produce more than 2.7 million metric tons of steel annually and create over 1,400 jobs.

Trump shared his excitement about the investment, stating, “Today we’re delighted to report that Hyundai is announcing a major USD 5.8 billion investment in American manufacturing.”.

“In particular, Hyundai will be building a brand-new steel plant in Louisiana which will produce more than 2.7 million metric tons of steel a year, creating more than 1,400 jobs for American steel workers, and then there’ll be major expansion after that,” POTUS said.

THE TRUMP EFFECT! 🇺🇸💰@Hyundai Announces $5.8B Louisiana Investment as Part of Massive $21B Commitment to America pic.twitter.com/Kumjdi5YQS

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 25, 2025

He emphasized that the steel plant would support Hyundai’s auto plants in Alabama and Georgia, which are set to produce more than one million cars annually. “The cars are coming into this country at levels never seen before–get ready,” he said.

Trump credited his administration’s tariff policies for attracting such investments, stating it shows that tariffs work strongly.

He explained that by producing steel and cars in America, Hyundai would avoid tariffs, a key incentive for companies to manufacture domestically. “You know, there are no tariffs if you make your product in America–that’s why so many people are coming,” he said.

The Hyundai investment is part of a broader $21 billion commitment to the U.S. over the coming years, which also includes expanded auto manufacturing in Georgia and significant investments in American tech companies. Trump also highlighted Taiwan’s $200 billion investment in semiconductor production, noting that such investments from global companies were a sign of the country’s manufacturing resurgence.

The steel mill in Louisiana will be Hyundai’s first in the U.S., marking a significant milestone in America’s industrial revival.

“Hyundai’s decision to invest nearly $6 billion in Ascension Parish speaks volumes about Louisiana’s skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and our ability to compete for innovative manufacturing facilities,” said Governor Landry.

“This announcement makes clear that Louisiana’s manufacturing sector is roaring back, thanks to our historic tax reforms, and President Trump’s economic policies. I committed to revitalizing Louisiana’s economy, and with global giants like Hyundai and Meta now in our state, Louisiana is finally seeing progress,” he added.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/WhiteHouse)

By Ritu Jha-

Philanthropist and community activist Ann Holt Rekhi was remembered at a memorial at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, California, on March 19. She was suffering from lymphatic cancer and opted for an end-of-life option. She passed away March 11 at age 78.

Rekhi, the wife of Indian American veteran venture capitalist Kanwal Rekhi, was born in Oakland, California, and moved soon after to the East Coast where she spent her childhood and teenage years in Easton, Connecticut. After graduating from Joel Barlow High School, she worked as a licensed vocational nurse at Bridgeport Hospital before serving in the U.S. Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

She met Rekhi after they were randomly matched through a pen pal booth at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and the two forged a strong bond leading to a wedding in 1971. The couple drove across the country to California later that year and settled in Sunnyvale, where she worked as a veterinarian’s assistant, and then as a chip fabricator at National Semiconductor.

She raised her two children Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill and Ben Rekhi both were with their father taking care of guests at the memorial.

Rekhi was a longtime supporter of causes including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Second Harvest, and many others.

Rekhi, who was married to her, for two weeks short to 54 years, thanked guests for coming to the memorial as he delivered an emotional euology.

“Seven, eight months ago we first noticed that the cancer had spread all over her body,” he explained. “When they did the CAT scan it was all over her body. The cancer had been eaten into her bones, her ankle bone, and her hip. She was not able to sit up anymore. She was on the platform for six hours of chemo. We thought we were going to beat the cancer, but it wasn’t meant to be. The cancer returned twice despite radiation therapy and the doctors told us in December that there’s nothing they can do.

She could either have the palliative care hospice or she can opt for the end-of-life option, which is legal in California. She said yes to the end-of-life option, I said no, we are going to do the palliative care and get her back up. We went to palliative care. It was pretty bad.”

“Then six weeks ago, she finally asked me: Why are we doing this? Why do I have to suffer? She said, I had a good life and raised our family. What more do I need in life? She then formally opted for end-of-life. Eventually, last Tuesday was our last day. She was home with her family, Rajan, Ben, myself, her brother, and my brother Rupi Pinti holding her hand and she went peacefully.

“In a way, it’s a relief because she was suffering and there was nothing I could say to tell her that she should live for. Her time had come, and she said, I have had a really wonderful life,” Kanwal Rekhi said.

Speaking to indica about better times, Kanwal Rekhi described how she made her signature dish, New England lamb stew.

“We both had different food tastes,” he said. But we used to barbecue a lot every Sunday all through our life, all year round – in summer and winter.”

He described how his wife nurtured the extended family.

“She looked after not just me, but also my brothers and sisters I brought later from India,” he said. “It was hard to bring a family over. My brother was already in his late 40s, and his sons were teenagers. She helped them Americanize, and have them settle down. Ann took charge of all that. She helped with shopping, taught them how to drive, helped in buying a house…

He agreed it was hard on his wife but said she enjoyed helping them, going on to her as the CEO at home.

Asked how he was feeling now, Kanwal Rekhi said, “I have accepted it because she was not well for almost two years. She had lymphoma. She opted for end of life and it is not easy. She was very strong from inside. This could be because she had a hard childhood and rough childhood and parents were alcoholic, and she had to take charge of her family and nurture her siblings.

Ann’s son Ben Rekhi, described the final days: “To make a decision like this was not easy, but it was very courageous. I admired her strength. In the final weeks, she was able to take control of the situation and make the decision on her own. When we brought her home, we had a circle of chairs around her, the people closest to her in her life. And we just told old stories and laughed together and held each other’s hands as the sunlight streamed through the window. And it was a really beautiful passing. And there’s a lot of grief, a lot of belief, it’s a mix of emotions. Each of us has a different relationship with her, but her spirit shines through all of us.”

Coomie Mishra[Above photo], a friend, remembers her warm smile and the times she went shopping with Ann.

“I remember very clearly her taking me to stores that I was not familiar with, “ Mishra told indica. “I didn’t know where we were going or how to go; she drove me. Our kids were little and they’d be running around playing with each other. As they grew older their schools separated because we were in different school districts. I would see Ann during meetings. Whenever she’d be standing a little by herself, I would always approach her and keep her company till Kanwal would come to get her.

“She was very open, I never felt she was judging me ever. The most recent time I met her was maybe a week or so before she passed. We went to the hospital to visit her and she was very open and spoke about things that we didn’t share before. She was talking and relaxed. I was happy I visited her because I saw her in her final days as very relaxed, and willing to talk. She had lots to share.”

To tech entrepreneur Vinita Gupta[Above photo], Ann Rekhi was a dignified lady.

“She came across as a very dignified lady with a peaceful demeanor and few words, but her expressions showed that she liked you,” Gupta said. “It must have been a dramatic change to marry an Indian immigrant. In those days she probably hadn’t even come across very many Indians. I saw pictures of them getting married in a church. They got married two years after he arrived in the U.S. That must have been dramatic for him and her. But their marriage lasted forever. They were married for
54 years and he’s still in love with her. It was a partnership that blossomed. She always supported her husband. She would come to the meetings that he hosted, not interact very much, but always be smiling and by the side of Kanwal. That’s how I saw her.”

Suhas Patil[Above photo] has known the Rekhis for over four decades, said, “They are more than friends. We were closer to each other than our siblings who were not here.”

Describing their experiences together, Patil said, “Entrepreneurship goes through ups and downs, and all of us were going through that. Like me, Kanwal went through difficult times, like when he got laid off. In the early days, we didn’t have enough money. At that time, when your spouse says that she’s with you and that we will pull through this situation, it is a huge support. That’s what you need and that’s what Kanwal got from Ann without any questions. Later, Kanwal would have gatherings at his home, particularly when we were supporting and fundraising for a politician. Anne was, of course, the lady of the house, gracious and welcoming to everybody. She was a wonderful hostess. Kanwal had shared many, many stories with me. I knew how he met Ann, and other stories, including stories of them going to India for the first time. In those days, not many people who came from India had married abroad. That was quite an enlightenment for people, relatives, and others in India.”

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Apple is set to begin exporting AirPods from its Hyderabad facility in April 2025, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to diversify its production outside of China.

This will be the second major product Apple ships from India, following the success of iPhone manufacturing in the country.

The move comes as Apple looks to mitigate rising trade tensions and tariffs that have made Chinese-manufactured products more expensive. Foxconn, Apple’s contract manufacturer, has been assembling the latest AirPods models – the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation – at its Hyderabad plant, which received a $400 million investment in August 2023, according to reports.

The initial exports will focus on markets like the United States and Europe, with production expected to gradually ramp up over the next few months. The move to India is part of Apple’s broader plan to reduce its reliance on China, where U.S. tariffs on electronics have risen significantly in recent years.

Industry experts suggest that Apple aims to shift at least 50% of its export production away from China, with India playing a crucial role in absorbing this transition.

India’s growing importance in Apple’s production ecosystem is also evident in the booming iPhone manufacturing sector. In 2024, Apple exported $12.8 billion worth of iPhones from India, representing a large portion of the company’s global production.

As part of India’s push for domestic manufacturing, a 20% tariff is levied on finished wearable imports, which has spurred calls from industry groups like the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) for zero tariffs on finished electronics to encourage further growth.

Apple’s expansion into India comes at a time when the company’s AirPods are dominating the global truly wireless earbuds market, with 81.8 million units shipped in 2024. This shift to India not only strengthens Apple’s supply chain but also positions the country as a key player in global tech manufacturing.